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We read each other and we bring together influences from a variety of sources--that is what makes this time of year great. However, when you realize that the Panthers have talked to three (3) WRs expected to be there around #19, it must give us pause. We all knew about Cooper (who has been heavily mocked to the Jets at #16) and Concepcion (deemed to be the perfect Z WR based on his skill set). Then the other day, the Panthers quietly brought in another tall WR that seems to be less than a good fit at first glance. First, a glance at the top 2 WRs the Panthers have shown interest in: Cooper (projected to Jets at 16--could possibly go as early as 9) Concepcion (considered to be a perfect fit for the Z WR (leaving Coker in the slot and TMac at X) has one major issue that has plagued the Panthers (see Legette, Xavier, TMac) in the area of drops. Coker, on the other hand has never dropped anything in his entire life--including "in" or "by." He can't even eavesdrop. So, does that stat about Concepcion bother them? It does me. XL dropped 14% of his catchable balls as a rookie. Last year, he found new ways to screw up, such as not knowing the boundares or lateralling to Rico for a big loss. Yes, TMac was ROY and was terrific, but he had 8 drops, catching just under 60% of targets. Top NFL WRs are in the 70%-80% range--which is good news--it means that TMac can improve. He caught 70 passes and dropped 8, meaning that his drop rate was about 10%. If you are counting, Denzel Boston is another first-round WR whose stock may have dropped a bit because he did not run a 40 during his pro day. However, I see him as the #3 or #4 WR in this draft. Most people feel that Denzel Boston is in the TMac mold--a tall X. Many of the same criticisms (about separation and speed) face Boston now. Although he is primarily viewed as a physical X (split end) receiver due to his 6'4", 212-pound frame, Boston has a weakness that makes him less valuable as the X but more valuable as a Z. Boston's ability to get off a jam at the LOS has been questioned--something an X does nearly every play. While his size and contested-catch ability make him a prototypical X, scouts and analysts note he has the versatility to move across the formation, including taking snaps in the Z or as a big slot, often helping to create mismatches. This would make him interchangeable with Coker. Even if Legette does not come around, the Panthers would have a three-headed hydra at WR. For much of last season, the Panthers had TMac, a goofy XL, and Versatility: Beyond being an X receiver, he is considered capable of playing Z or in the slot, allowing for movement across the formation. Physicality: With his size and strength, he can play on the outside, making him a strong red-zone target. Role Projection: While he primarily played on the boundary, his profile fits as a versatile receiver who can align in multiple spots to exploit matchups. His 6-foot-4 height and 209-pound weight are ideal for an outside receiver who can play both X and Z positions at the next level. NFL Combine write-up: Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value. The Panthers have looked at three Z WRs who will be first-rounders in all likelihood. They have a proven track record of bringing in first-round picks. The tea leaves are strong in this case. here is Greg Cosell talking to the Bills analysts. What he says about Boston (compares to TMac) is interesting (4:45). https://www.buffalobills.com/video/greg-cosell-breaks-down-wr-draft-class-buffalo-bills Screen Shot: No share available. "I don't think you have to just line him up inside (slot). I think you can play him outside (X)." That comment suggests he can play X, slot, or Z. He then compares KC Concepcion vs. Boston--very different WRs. In my view, Boston is more versatile. Boston has excellent hands and he wins contested balls. Red Zone--giving TMac someone on the other side of the field with the sure-handed Coker inside. What Cosell says later (about Hurst, actually, but it applies to Concepcion): "You can teach guys to catch a ball." He talks about Concepcion, Boston, and Cooper in succession. I get the feeling he is less impressed with Cooper than others are because he questions the competition--based on the Indiana system vs. zone etc. I would also say that any WR who has a good WR on the other side of the field probably gets less defensive attention. I should add that this also reflects poorly on XL, but I have said he would be a late bloomer. I had no idea how much he did not know about football. We shall see, but can you imaging how potent we'd be in 4 WR sets if he comes around? How do you cover that? (OT people are biting their lips right now) THE DRAFT It sure looks as though the Panthers are looking seriously at WR (the Z spot specifically) in the draft. Can you see any other position that has garnered this much attention for potential day 1 players? I cannot. I am concerned about the OT situation, don't get me wrong, but Morgan is going to think, "I have a starter and I brought in a swing T (Forsythe). Moton is a real concern. We may look at RT later--and I know how others feel about it. We could re-sign BC and he would be available after a month or two....I dunno. Less than 2 weeks to go--just thought I would take a look at WR because it seems, based on available "evidence," that a WR will be our pick....again. -
By Swaggasaurus · Posted
What I liked about this was…up until pick 19 I think who is on the board is going to be close to the reality. If it fell like that I’m going KC or a tackle, offense or defense, doesn’t matter. -
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