Locked on Panthers: Free Agency Primer with Mike Kaye

[TheSpecialJuan]

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

some great stuff here 

[Basbear]

8 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

some great stuff here 

[Lame Duck]

32 minutes ago, Basbear said:

[Cam2Ligit2Quit]

2 minutes ago, Lame Duck said:

The smoking gif, Was the best response. I would Pie you multiple times if I could. Give a lemon make lemonade 

[Basbear]

28 minutes ago, Cam2Ligit2Quit said:

The smoking gif, Was the best response. I would Pie you multiple times if I could. Give a lemon make lemonade 

?? that was me thanking Juan, I'm sure he took it that why.

[strato]

48 minutes? Please summarize. 

[mrcompletely11]

Sounds like the salary cap could be an issue in 27 and beyond if the extend Bryce and it sounds like they are preparing to.  Glass half full comment.   I would seriously debate checking out if the were this incompetent 

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

some great stuff here 

thanks again Juan. 

[Daddy_Uncle]

I feel like nobody likes Julian Council truly. He just seems like a tough person to get along with. 

[mrcompletely11]

8 minutes ago, Daddy_Uncle said:

I feel like nobody likes Julian Council truly. He just seems like a tough person to get along with. 

I enjoy his podcast occasionally but he does come across like he is the smartest guy in the room.  Why people send in mailbag questions I truly dont know.  He doesnt have sources or is a reporter or anything

[MHS831]

Here is what I LEARNED:
They really like Samac--they really never loved Mays.  Samac is 25--might they draft a fourth round C and have him and Samac compete for the job?  Between two stud Guards, maybe, just maybe.  The Cap matters here, and they seem determined to go cheap here.  Samac?  Hmmmm.  Never heard of him before last week.

He thinks we are going to "double dip" at backup QB.  Talked about the emergency QB.  I am happy to hear we might focus on that.  

Smith-Wade to safety?  

Pretty logical--

WR--Like who they have signed.  Coker, Horn (feel better about him than they let on) Tremayne they like a lot.

Kaye's insights into the Panther preparation for the Draft--Panthers have done a lot of work (researching the draft) at DL and OL (even though he predicts OT in round 1).  

Mentioned TE (lotta work researching Draft and free agency).

How this changed me?

Adding TE to my list.  Looking OT (rounds 1, 2) and C (day 3?) in draft.  What veterans do we have available?  Research, people.  I have to think they want to give Bryce a weapon.  Beware--be very, very ware.

ILB will be a free agent.  Maybe we draft one too, but not real early(?).

Edge?  Not going to address it in free agency.  Not really confident that edge is the answer this year (I have said this--be awed).  Instead, we need to use Wharton better, find a blitzing LB (That Atlanta backer sure seems like a fit) and maybe move Wade-Smith to S and bring in a nickel who can blitz.  

I am going to research C Samac.  They kept him on the active roster for a reason.  They told Corbett and Mays and BC to test the market for a reason.  

What Kaye says and what I have been saying about OT (not in free agency, but in round 1) is spot on.  The Cap, etc. Either we are both right, or he is wrong and I was misled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PleaseCutStewart]

Smith-Wade to safety sounds like a terrible idea. Unfortunately the guy just isn't very talented and she honestly be a sub corner or dime back at best 

[MHS831]

To summarize my summary.

The answer at C may be on the roster and/or day 3 of the draft.

OT in round 1 is not crazy

The Panthers can afford to go high-end ILB but no good fit or salary for high-end edge.  Not sure edge will be that much of a focus, although we will probably do something somehow.  I will repeat my opinion that it will be a situational vet pass rusher.

We may not be  as hungry for a Safety, and Smith-Wade could be moved to FS.  With Ransom and Mehrig, we may be good.  (I had S as a top 4 need)

We may not be as hungry for a WR as previously thunked.   

So with this epiphanyism, I might adjust my needs (needs--in relation to the cap, current contracts, and available personnel with a realistic focus on salaries).  Without further ado, my adjusted (what I think the Panthers are currently thinking) top 8 needs.  (Spoiler alert-I am going rogue a bit--buckle up, bastids.

1.  Offensive Tackle.  (Kaye explains that, if you consider long-term needs and contracts etc. in relation to cap, this is a need.  I disagree with his comments about drafting what he calls a "swing tackle" at 19.  I think you draft your LT here and plan to move Ickey if he returns to health.  Moton's contract expires in 2027.  

2.  Defensive Tackle.  A lot of you blasted me rudely when I suggested that we might draft DT on day 2.  You mocked me.  It hurt.  Seriously,  if we sign a ILB in free agency and downplay our need for edge, then we have to look at DT as a problem.  Yes, we have jags and busts, but a stud beside Brown? I think DT might be our second round pick.

3.  Center.  Not for a second to I think Samac is the perfect answer, but in a zone scheme that focuses on run blocking, he might be better value than what we can draft or sign in free agency.  Look for a C in round 4 or even 5.  I think we could draft Parker, the OT from Duke turned C.

4.  Tight End. This surprises me even as I type it.  I am guessing there is a type we are looking for, and I am guessing it is because Sanders has not become what they wanted.  TEs are not expensive, so this could be a free agent signing.  

5.  Nickel CB.  Watch for a big nickel CB who can blitz.  I have not researched this, but they got me to thinking.  That is all for now.

6. Another LB.  I have crushed on Golday for some time.  Depending on who we sign in free agency (and ILB will be our biggest signing) They want 2 studs back there who can process and cover from sideline to sideline.  

7. Edge.   We may do nothing or sign a journeyman for a season or two in free agency, but if we sign an edge, I am guessing it will be later in free agency.  Someone we have to research. Last year, we did not have our 2 starters for a combined 22 games.  Scourton emerged as a potential star.  Princely showed some flash.  With more blitzing from LB, S, and CB, with better pass rush from the DL, we may need to develop instead of adding salaries.

8.  QB.  We need to find QBs that are capable of starting in the NFL and find players who can fit here.  I think there might be a day 3 gem or two in this draft.  add a vet not getting social security and draft a developmental prospect as the emergency qb.

 

There you have it.  Subject to change.