PanthersNCSU

*Hopefully* we're smart enough to not extend him during this offseason. If he magically comes in next year, looks good, we're winning, etc., sure, toss a Baker extension at him. But if they extend him at 50+ before the preseason and he comes out flat, pitchforks out.

Wonder what the extension numbers would look like for a QB averaging 185 yards a game. 1. He shouldn't be extended anyway 2. IF they do give him an extension, and he's even scratching Top 10 money, the goodwill they've build as a FO is gone IMO. If they're trying to give him a Darnold/Baker contract, easier to digest and understand. But if they're thinking 45-50+? Jesus

Zion is my favorite "budget" addition. Bothers me that he doesn't rebound like he should, but cost wise I'd rather gamble on him than what it would take to get Giannis who doesn't have history on his side with his age. I'm still curious to see what GSW does. If they can't bring Curry help, I think it will reach the point where he asks to come here. At that point, all bets are off and I assume they'd ask for LaMelo. Big 3 team trade where we bring in Curry and another star while keeping Kon? I'd be tempted.

Random, but IF we go superstar hunting, I think the dark horse could be Jaylen Brown. Charles Lee connection, the noise in Boston is going to be loud after the playoff loss, the Tatum dynamic. Not exactly the position we'd need, but if we wanted to upgrade Miller there's your guy.

Strength of Schedule means nothing with our weird ass team. Super Bowl contender? We'll beat you. Bottom of the league? Let's forget how to play.

The nice thing about the timing of Bryce's contract at least is that it's going to match up with the 2027 Draft Class. No excuses, he either becomes Rams 2nd half Bryce year long, or we draft his replacement. Nothing wrong with carrying Bryce on his 5th year expiring and a 1st round rookie waiting in the wings. Let the rookie sit until the trade deadline, deal Bryce to a needy team at the time, profit.

Loved the part of the Zoom call with the OL coach. Seems he at least studied and tried to work in our terminology even. Small things, and anyone can/should prep for an interview, but nice to see either way.

Yeah I would've loved to upgrade him, but it wasn't in the cards. I mean, all things considered you could do worse for what, your 9th best defender on the field at any given time? He doesn't have to be a star, just be solid and have a nice play here or there. And then...replace him next year.

I get real Les Snead "fug them picks" style on Day 2 and Day 3. I know depth and blah blah, but the likelihood a 5th rounder makes any impact is slim. Go get JRod, go get your safety, go get your center. If we come out of the weekend with an OT, JRod, Safety, and Center and a slew of UDFA to fill the roster, I'm not complaining over losing pick 159 who had decent tape at Kennesaw State and a 6th round CB who is fast but can't cover to save his life.

This draft isn't deep, so frankly package both 5ths to move up if you need to IMO to get your guy.

His interviews. Combine interview that went viral, scout rumors saying he's immature and individual team interviews were a disaster. Granted, maybe he's playing 4D Chess and trying to coax certain teams not to draft him, but weird none the less.

J Rod or Hill are the dream in the 2nd, but won't be mad as long as it's defense. Too many needs still to get impact everywhere, but LB, CB/S, DT, Center all take precedent IMO over WR/TE today.

The Thienemen love I get, but anyone wanting Lemon I would've been scared to death of that dude. He better be Amon-Ra, because there's a likely equal chance he has someone in his freezer currently.

Also, this further keeps Stone off the field. I'd trust Nick Scott and Ransom before I trust Stone. Important if we want any semblance of a chance.

I had become more and more on board with Thienemen, but there's safeties in the 2nd and 3rd with more value than the OTs that will be left IMO. Good value pick, smart for the cap, and gives us some OL flexibility and future in uncertain times. Best case, he's our franchise LT, Ickey comes back and can take over for Moton at RT, and we don't really miss a beat. This might not be the immediate impact pick, but it's the highest potential one we could've made.

Would be perfect IMO, but can't imagine we get that lucky. As shallow as this draft is, big fan of trading later picks and moving up to get our guys if possible, though.

Also thought I remembered, but listening to a podcast yesterday confirmed. KC...possible diva. Was his 2nd year at State when he wasn't getting the ball enough. Would pout on the sidelines. Diva, drops, WR 3 years in a row? Please be a smokescreen

Give me JRod or give me death. RIP to me

When you're trying to evaluate Bryce by putting weapons around him...I'd rather put sure-handed guys on the field. Loved KC when he was at State, but I'm worried he's got a PR/KR future unless he can break some short throws like he's Ted Ginn with Cam.

Also, I think Schrager has a pretty good feel on the Panthers as far as national guys go. Wouldn't surprise me if plan number one is Thieneman. McShay echoed it recently on one of his pod appereances where teams/players he felt most confident in, the 2nd one out of his mouth was Thieneman to the Panthers. If he's gone, trade down is our next favorite option IMO since we may like guys like Rodriguez and KC more than others in the supposed 19 range.

^I want that, but Rodriguez over KC. Don't hate KC as much at that spot, but rather take a WR with the pick we gain in that trade than in the 1st.

I still go back to the beat writers having a read on Rodriguez IF he was in play at 19. If Dan puts his nuts on the table and takes him, pretty solid job of keeping the secrets in house.

Yeah there's no chance he's lasting to the 2nd round now it seems like. Not even to the 35ish range, especially not 51. If we want him, it very may be 19 or bust. I wouldn't hate it...get your guy. If you're convinced he's legit, he looks like a steal in a year or two.

I'm just worried the only scenario where Rodriguez is a Panther is us finding a trade down partner in the 1st. Seems he's getting 1st round buzz now, and worst case would be the typical pick 33 or 34 guy on Day 2 which will probably be too rich for our trade up blood.

Mirror the Goff/Stafford trade...Bryce, two 1sts, filler. Burrow 2027, make it happen.