Mr. Scot

That's what I've seen a lot of Darnold critics say. It's completely off the mark and ignores what's known about the trade. They started exploring Darnold right after they lost out on Stafford. The reason it didn't happen sooner was because Joe Douglas wanted to wait until they'd evaluated all their draft prospects. The final details were actually hammered out at Justin Fields pro day. Add in that both Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer were high on Darnold already, Rhule from having talked with him previously and Fitterer from having evaluated him the year he was drafted. They also went through the film of his entire career with the Jets back in March before making the decision to trade for him. This wasn't just some last minute, spur of the moment decision. Could they take another quarterback? Sure, but what people need to realize is that their having a low opinion of Darnold doesn't mean that the team does. If the team had the kind of opinion that some fans think they do, they wouldn't have traded for him in the first place.

I like his footwork and his balance for the most part. Did see him get caught reaching a time or two.

You seriously think we'd trade a pick package including a second rounder for someone that we don't think is good enough to be a starter? You're projecting your own feelings about Darnold onto the team because you want somebody else. I'm quoting what they've actually said about him.

No, Teddy shouldn't be happy about it. No competitive person would. As to what I'd say to someone I know being hired to replace me: if they lobbied for my job then I'd be upset. If it was just the company's choice though, I can't put that on them. It's not Darnold's fault.

Both Fitterer and Rhule have said that they see Sam Darnold as a starter quality quarterback. Fitterer deferred to Rhule on the question of whether he would be named the starter right now. Rhule declined to answer because he doesn't like saying those things ahead of time. Yes they could draft another quarterback if they wanted, but it'd be a stupid move to do so with bigger needs, especially a huge need at left tackle.

Would you reach out if one of those employees was somebody you knew? That's the difference for me in this story. Bridgewater and Darnold we're already acquainted from their days together on the Jets. I could understand not reaching out to a stranger who was brought in to replace you, but if it's somebody you know you should at least say good luck, no hard feelings, something.

This close to the draft, all rumors should.

No, they didn't. They told Erving they want him to compete for the left tackle job. They did not tell him that he's the starter.

That's your opinion. The team sees him as a starter and has repeatedly said so.

I can't get behind the idea of a quarterback competition on a team that still has a lot of needs. (and no, quarterback isn't one of them)

Last minute news that the Panthers will be represented at Fields pro day, specifically by Joe Brady and Sean Ryan. The Falcons are sending their quarterback coach as well. The Patriots are sending Josh McDaniels and personnel exec Dave Ziegler. As far as I know, the 49ers are still the only team sending a GM/head coach combo A few other teams also decided to attend at the last minute. I think the Broncos were one of them.

The guy who helped Josh Allen turn into what he is now is Ken Dorsey, Newton's former quarterback coach. While he was here, Rivera had Dorsey be less of a coach and more of a friend because he was too scared Cam might not respond well to anything negative. So in truth, Ron actually did bring in a "real quarterback coach". He just didn't let him do his job.

Watch them trade a huge haul to Atlanta.

Updated info on Fields' second pro day tomorrow... Previously only two teams, the 49ers and the Patriots, were confirmed to be attending. There's now word that a third team will be joining them. The Falcons.

Word that our old buddy Ross Cockrell is re-signing with Tampa.

They owe us for Gilbert.

Rhule. Tepper wanted a non-traditional, analytics type GM. Rhule wanted a guy with a solid background as a talent evaluator.

Valid point.

Oh, I get it. And I also know the same people who say "if we just win one, I'll be happy forever" will be the same ones just a few years later loudly complaining about how the team sucks.

There's been many hints that the Panthers don't necessarily think all of the top five are capable of being "THE QB". If you don't believe that, then you take the best non-QB available.

Agreed. Keep your cards hidden.

Can't go along with that at all. I want this team to be perennial contenders.

How Matt Rhule sees it... Basically, they see him like a rookie.