top dawg

True, but all things being equal (or close to equal, because things are never really equal), I'm taking the smart, accurate guy with the athleticism, and anybody would.

Sure, but some are more athletic than others, & like Reich said, "We all know where this is heading."

You can't teach athleticism.

Oh, I agree, but the question (at least in my mind) is how it will affect his valuation.

I'm fairly certain that trading up to get Richardson is not going to happen.

I may be in the minority, but I don't want Cam 2.0, I want someone better.

You don't develop a Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith, Jerry Rice, Mike Evans, Jamarr Chase, Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams or any other legit WR1 walk in their prime. That's crazy talk, and not a long term plan for success. Sure, you might be able to get away with it, if you have an all-time great, but you might not. RBs and WRs are very different animals. The dynamics aren't the same. The notion that you let them go because you have to pay them doesn't work too well most of the time.

I don't think it's irrational to trade to one depending upon your belief in the prospect, but it is ill-advised if you're just trading to one because you just gotta "try." I chuckle at that notion, and I don't think that Fitterer will go about business in that way. Tepper was extremely clear about using resources willy-nilly. Those days are likely over, unless someone wants to be fired. Wiser, or at least more thought-out, decisions are on the horizon.

I'm thinking that if it wasn't for the injury, he might even be ranked higher than Levis or Richardson. He may not be ready ready until he's 27. That sounds like day three to me.

Hey, I'm all for it happening, but if they aren't right, they'll get the hail of criticism that they deserve.

Not always. Everyone pretty much knew that Burrow, Goldilocks and Luck were franchise QBs. This ain't the year for any surefire bets though. Young would be, but he's a little guy.

If you're going to trade all that draft capital, you better be doing, not "trying."

He wasn't great or even good, but he has the enticing tools. The question is whether or not our guys think that they can fix him. Some QBs can be fixed to a franchise level like Allen and Hurts. I'm not saying that AR can, but maybe Reich and company will. I will criticize them if he turns out to be a bust though, as valuable draft capital is too important to simply waste on a boom-or-bust type of prospect. That's what day three is for.

I haven't seen that one.

I can deal with a discount and shorter term contract in reference to DC, but I'm fairly certain that's wishful thinking.

We're a fan base starving for a franchise QB. Apparently there are more than a few Panthers fans who know what a real franchise QB looks like. If nothing else, that at least gives me some promise that we haven't gone all the way off the rails.

I'm thinking that the prevailing notion here is that Carr is the way to go. For me, that will be a disappointment, but I know that it could be worse.

I mean, it may be indicative of a lack of creativity on offense, and/or a lack of a legit QB or skill players (which causes me skepticism). I just think it was a lack of belief in the team's ability to do anything more successfully and consistently. In my opinion, you just have to be willing to do more, or you'll get beat down by the better teams (or even coaches) in the league. I'm not going to hand you a win because I'm reluctant to do more out of disbelief in my guys. I at least have to try more, but that's my opinion.

Yes we are, but you did not address the thinking of Jeremiah about not being surprised if Hooker ends up with the best career out of all the QBs in this draft.

Via Cat Crave: Lamar Jackson sent Carolina Panthers fans into a frenzy Whether Jackson ends up in Carolina is anyone’s guess. But his social media activity on Sunday send Panthers fans into a frenzy. Jackson liked a tweet from us – which was a picture of the signal-caller and Bradley Bozeman celebrating together on the Ravens. It was unliked by the player a short time afterward as replies and quote tweets swarmed the timeline. https://catcrave.com/2023/02/27/lamar-jackson-carolina-panthers-emotional-rollercoaster/ Lamar giveth, and Lamar taketh away. Take from it what you will. I just thought that it was interesting (but probably nothing).

Jeremiah: Hooker is an ultra productive QB with size, accuracy and athleticism. He operates in the Vols' unique spread attack, where they send their outside wideouts to the extreme edges of the field and force opponents to defend them in space. Hooker has outstanding field vision, makes quick decisions and delivers the ball in a position where his receivers can easily run after the catch. He doesn’t have a powerful arm, but he can make all the necessary throws. He throws a beautiful deep ball. He has the athleticism to extend plays and he’s very effective on designed QB runs. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury late in the season that could jeopardize his rookie campaign. Also, his age (25) is a concern for some teams. Overall, I see Hooker as a quality starting QB and wouldn’t be shocked if he has the best career of any passer in this year's class. Number 50 of Jeremiah's top 50. Interesting concluding opinion. I wonder if our staff sees it that way.

Yes, but they're already taking offers to sell the pick, not Fields. Chicago selling Fields was never really realistic.

Even if true, then all the talk of Rodgers having no leverage and the Packers' actually refusing to trade him don't really hold water. They're not going to eat all that money and get nothing in return. That's just not going to happen. And, like it or not, Rodgers will play a part in where he's traded.

If they were surely done with him, they'd have likely said so by now. Plus, who's bluffing, and about what? He's had them on a string for years, and that continues as of right now. https://madison.com/sports/football/professional/aaron-rodgers-is-still-with-the-packers-after-his-darkness-retreat-here-is-where-things/article_48e8906a-4e92-5a63-a74f-f5342fe0c2a7.html By the way, this article still lists the Panthers as a possibility (though I'd still doubt that he'd come here). Carolina Panthers: Despite reports the Packers would like to send Rodgers to the AFC if they did end up trading him, the Panthers are a darkhorse good fit for him. Not only is another of his favorite people, ex-Packers offensive line coach James Campen, on the staff in Carolina, but new coach Frank Reich played the quarterback position and has assembled an impressive staff that includes ex-Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers. The Panthers aren’t in great cap shape (over by $2.3 million) but that’s easily fixed. They hold the No. 9 overall pick in the first round and have a pair of second-rounders they can offer in a trade package. Owner David Tepper watched as an NFC South rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bent over backwards for the GOAT of quarterbacks, Tom Brady, leading to a Lombardi Trophy. Perhaps Tepper, especially after the Panthers played Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker at the position last season, would like to give that approach a whirl.

The threat of retirement is as real as leverage gets. I don't think the Packers will do anything against their best interests, and that's why they'll trade him if he decides to part ways or they decide to move on and see what Love has during this last year of his rookie contract. Moreover, for all the complaints about Rodgers being a headache, he won't lack for suitors, and it's been reported lately that he's going to be right there in Green Bay, so him being an A-hole doesn't seem to be affecting his market one bit. Even if he can't come to the NFCS, those markets weren't really the best for his situation anyway.