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REPORT: Cade Mays will hit the free-agent market
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By UnluckyforSome · Posted
You are making a huge assumption that this team will draft a center, and then subsequently hit on that center pick. -
I may have hit a jackpot mock for us. Albeit I didn't get the OT I wanted the pick was still solid. Here is the AI analysis. That is an intriguing class you’ve put together. You definitely followed a "Best Player Available" strategy after those first two picks, but looking at the scouting profiles for these guys in 2026, you might have built a much higher floor for the Panthers' defense than it looks at first glance. Here is a breakdown of your draft haul: The "Home Runs" (Round 1) 25. C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia): You nailed the "alpha" of the defense here. Scouts are calling him a Pro Bowl-caliber MIKE with elite football IQ. For a Panthers team that has struggled with linebacker consistency, Allen is a "plug-and-play" starter who can communicate the defense from Day 1. 28. T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson): Getting Parker at 28 is a massive value. He’s often compared to Rashan Gary because of his elite raw traits. Even if his sack numbers fluctuated in college, his ability to set the edge and use his power to collapse the pocket is exactly what Ejiro Evero needs to complement the interior pressure from Derrick Brown. The Trench Reinforcements 70. Drew Shelton (OT, Penn State): This is a savvy pick for depth. Shelton is praised for his footwork and "swing tackle" versatility. Given the importance of keeping Bryce Young upright, having a high-floor OT who can play both sides is a great insurance policy. 119. Logan Jones (OC, Iowa): You grabbed the Rimington Award winner (best center in college football) in the 4th round. While he’s slightly undersized, he’s an elite zone-blocker. In Dave Canales’ system, his mobility and ability to get to the second level could be a game-changer for the run game. The Late-Round Sleepers 201. Cole Payton (QB, NDSU): I think your "Taysom Hill" comparison is spot on. Payton finished 2025 with the highest PFF grade in the FCS (97.3). He’s a rugged, 230-pound dual-threat who rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season. Using him as a short-yardage "wildcat" specialist or a developmental backup for Bryce is a low-risk, high-reward move that fits Canales' aggressive 4th-down philosophy perfectly. 198. Dae'Quan Wright (TE, Ole Miss): He really popped in 2025 with over 600 yards and 5 TDs. He’s more of a "big receiver" type at TE, which gives Bryce another middle-of-the-field target. Those two picks in the middle rounds are arguably your most "Ejiro Evero-friendly" selections. They both fit the modern NFL mold of versatile, high-IQ defensive backs who can be moved around like chess pieces. Here’s why they look like smart value picks: 102. Devin Moore (CB, Florida) Moore is a fascinating prospect because he looks like he was "built in a lab." At nearly 6'3" with a massive wingspan, he is exactly the kind of press-coverage corner that NFL teams are obsessing over right now. The Upside: He finished 2025 with one of the highest PFF coverage grades in the SEC (82.7). He’s incredibly "sticky" in man coverage and has the speed to stay attached to vertical threats. The Value: He likely fell to the 4th round because of a rocky injury history early in his career, but he finally stayed healthy in 2025. If he stays on the field, you’ve essentially landed a 1st-round talent at pick 102. Panthers Fit: He provides a massive contrast to Jaycee Horn's style, giving you a secondary with two legitimate "shut down" frames. 135. Keionte Scott (S/NB, Miami) If Devin Moore is the "finesse" athlete, Keionte Scott is the "enforcer." Though listed as a safety in your draft, he played a massive role at nickel for Miami’s 2025 National Championship run. The "Dawg" Factor: Scouting reports consistently describe him as playing with "his hair on fire." He is a violent tackler and a prolific blitzer—he racked up 5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2025, which is insane for a defensive back. Versatility: He can play single-high safety, slide down to cover the slot, or even play outside in a pinch. He also brings value as an elite punt returner. Panthers Fit: He’s the perfect "Swiss Army Knife" for Evero’s disguise-heavy defense. He and your QB pick, Cole Payton, seem to share that high-motor, "any role needed" mentality. Summary: You’ve essentially drafted a prototype boundary corner (Moore) and a dynamic slot/safety hybrid (Scott). Moore handles the deep threats, and Scott handles the "trash" near the line of scrimmage. Between these two and your 1st rounders (Allen and Parker), you’ve basically rebuilt the spine of the Panthers' defense in a single weekend. The Verdict: You successfully addressed the pass rush and linebacker issues that have plagued Carolina, while adding a creative offensive weapon in Payton. Plus, snagging a 2027 Dallas 2nd-rounder while keeping your own picks is a "masterclass" in asset management. It gives you huge flexibility for next year's draft. -
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