SCO96

On the surface that may sound bad. But, with the exception of our recently acquired pick from Pittsburgh, the 9th best receiver in the draft may still be better than anyone currently on our roster. On the flip side, because so many receivers are projected to go in the first, a first round talent is likely going to fall to us at some other position of need. We may be able to wait until #39 to grab a WR or even later as you pointed out. The O-line is already significantly better so I doubt we're taking an O-lineman at 33 or 39. No matter what we decide to do, if we don't come away with 2 (and arguably 3) solid starters after day 2 then this draft will end up being a massive disappointment.

This is off topic a bit, but I’ll toss it out there. Rattler made some nice throws in those clips. If he’s on the board in the 4th (or even the 5th) should we roll the dice? He’s got a better arm than Bryce Young. He definitely has chemistry with Leggette. If we did take Leggette in round 2, I think it would be hard to pass on Rattler if he’s still on the draft board late on day 3. Thoughts?

If only one of the above is true, I still think that's commendable. Our coaching staff doesn't appear to have done either for Bryce during the 2023 season. We're all hoping for the best. But, if Bryce is plays like he did last season, do you guys think Tepper would just face reality and go into 2025 knowing that still need a franchise QB?

Based on what he did last season (or didn't do last season), I don't think any team in the NFL would give you a 3rd for Mingo. I hate to say it, but you can probably be able to find a better WR in the 3rd round this year. If I were a GM, I wouldn't trade anything for him.

If he doesn't show up and show out this season all of us are going to have to agree with you. I do want to see how he does in the new scheme before I write him off as a bust.

These 2nd QB contracts have got out of hand. Every QB isn't worth $40 million. The Giants were crazy to give Daniel Jones all of the money. If Bryce gets better, but doesn't become elite QB over the next 2-3 seasons, then you need to start negotiating with him before he hits his 5th year...preferably after year 3. You let him know that we can't afford to get you a $5o mil deal and keep the rest of the talent around you. If you realize that Bryce wants more than he's worth you draft a guy high in the draft before the 5th year and let him hit the market. Unless he's become a stud by the end of year 5, he's going to realize that he isn't going to get a $50 mil deal from another team. Bryce seems to have a good head on his shoulders. He may realize that he needs to stay in Carolina to have the best chance to succeed in the NFL.

Maybe I'm in the minority here. But, if I were a GM, there is NO WAY I'd trade away a 1st round pick in next year's draft class for a 2nd round pick in the current year. That's the type of deal Marty Hurney would make and have all of us ready to throw shoes at the television on draft night. We didn't have 1st round selections in 2009 or 2010. Hurney was so desperate to get "his guy" that he would trade away a first in future years to nab a JAG in the 2nd round of the present draft. I seem to recall us doing that one year to move up to select the great "Everette Brown" at DE in 2009. We also didn't have a pick in 2010 until #48 when we chose Jimmy Clausen. We had traded away our round 1 pick in 2010 prior to the draft night. The scenario you laid out is might work if you were dealing with an inept GM (i.e. Hurney). No one with a rational mind would consider such a move unless the GM realized team roster was so stacked that a #1 pick might not be able to crack the starting lineup for some time. Then, I could see trading down a bit to pick up some additional choices to build solid depth at each position. Other than that, use those picks to get the best player. You can never have too much talent on a football team.

Keep the picks. I wouldn't want to give one away even for a first round selection in 2025. This is a good draft in terms of talent for the first 3 rounds. We've already improved our team thru the first week in free agency. We're almost assured of getting some 1st round caliber players who slip into round 2 with the 33rd and 39th selections. We also have the first pick in round 3 (#65). If we choose wisely, getting 3 of the top players between 1-65 almost offsets not having a first round selection this year...especially if they turn out to be quality starters.

Question(s) guys. If Johnson comes in do you think he immediately becomes our #1? Does this effectively make Theilan our slot WR (#2 or #3)? What role does Mingo play? Do we still make drafting a WR our top priority in round 2? Or do we focus on another need like DB, LB, C, S, DL, or TE?

Gotta agree with Jon Snow on this one. Our current roster is terrible even with the two upgrades at guard. You can make an argument that the Panthers are weak at EVERY position on the team except our 2024 starting guards, 1 DT spot (D. Brown) and possibly RT. We have 2 picks inside the top 40 and the first pick in round 3 (#65). If we don't come away with at least two starters with those picks then the 2024 draft will be another disaster. To be honest, we really should come away with 3 starters. If we picked the right WR, LB, DB or DE I don't how they couldn't start or at least play significant minutes given the lack of talent currently on our roster.

As CSX pointed out we don't have a first round pick. I'm definitely on board with taking OL or WR @ #33. I do disagree with your Take on TE. I can see getting upset if we took a JAG. If we could find a Kelce, LaPorta, or Kittles type talent then I could understand why the FO would consider it. A solid TE acts a security blanket on 3rd an short. Our QB doesn't have the strongest arm. A solid TE can work the intermediate area of the field where Bryce is more effective. A solid TE is usually a scoring threat in the redzone. A solid TE usually helps the running game. If he could find a TE who could catch 70-75 passes, score 6-8 TDs, and go over 800 yards for the season he would be well worth the 33rd pick of the draft.

Here's a look at the Panthers' 2024 picks: — Their own second-rounder (No. 33 overall) — Their own third-rounder (No. 65 overall) — Their own fourth-rounder — San Francisco's fifth-rounder — Tennessee's fifth-rounder — Arizona's sixth-rounder The decision to trade down has to be based on what is left on the draft board at the end of the 1st round. We know first round caliber players fall into the first round all of the time. Several starting caliber o-lineman, TE's, or WR's could be available in Day 2 of the draft. If we could trade down a couple of slots, obtain an extra pick in the 3rd or 4th round w/out parting with our 3rd and 4th round choices, and stay in the top 40 of the 2nd round, I would strongly consider a deal. If not I'd take the best available offensive player at 33 and focus on offense for most of the draft Our offense was the worst in the NFL. We were shut out the last two games of the season. Bryce Young had one of the worst rookie seasons for a QB in recent memory. No way I'm drafting a LB, DB, or even d-lineman with our offense so inept. Our defense wasn't awful last season, Our offense was. I wouldn't go into the draft expecting much from FA. Unless a player literally can't get another job in the league or desires to be in the Carolinas for personal reasons, I can't think of too many reasons for him to come to Charlotte outside of an obscene paycheck (which other owners can likely match if needed). This team has questionable ownership, the least talented roster in the NFL, no proven talent at QB, no first round draft choice in 2024, and 6 straight losing seasons. Get players that can improve Bryce's chance of success in 2024. Hopefully, the coaching staff can work with the underachievers currently on the roster and improve their play. We may be able to get some help from the undrafted FAs and the waiver wire. As some have pointed out, we're looking at a 2-3 year rebuild before we can compete for a playoff spot. We might as well lay a strong foundation one piece at a time.

The above list of players is an example of why I have no faith in the Panther scouting department. That's a lot of WRs to miss on, especially that high in the draft (rounds 1-3). Our TE selections haven't been any better. The two best TEs to play for our organization (Wesley Walls and Greg Olsen) were not drafted by the Panthers. Outside of those 2 guys, I can't think of another TE drafted by the Panther who ever became an impact player. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were good running backs. How many other good RB's have we drafted besides those two and CMC? NOTE: Deshawn Foster gets an honorable shout out, but injuries derailed his promising career. For years I've wondered if our poor drafts in general are due to poor talent evaluation from the scouts. I'd love to see how our draft board compares to the other teams around the NFL. I'm hoping things will improve with Dan Morgan as the GM. I think a lot of former players are better at talent evaluation when they work in the front office (in any capacity).

I think every football fan loves to see their team go deep with the long ball. That said, we have a QB with a questionable arm and a below average o-line protecting him. I'd gladly settle for a WR who can get open quickly, help move the chains, and increase our YAC stat (which had to be near the bottom of the league in 2023). A receiving threat like that would open up things for everyone else because defenses would then have to adapt their game plans to deal with him. Honestly, I'd be excited if we took a TE who could get open on a regular basis and be a scoring threat in the red zone. Any receiver who can improve Bryce's 5.5 yards per attempt and 179.8 yards per game average and increase his 11 TD passes would be a welcome addition.

You're so "punny"! Do you get it, "punny"?

Good post. Shanahan didn't run the ball enough in the 2nd half. The O-line had several critical penalties that were absolute drive killers for the 49ers. The punt team muffed a kick that led to a TD one play later and a massive momentum shift. CMC fumbled in the red zone on the first drive of the game. The Kicker missed an extra point. All of the above were the major reasons for the loss. I don't care how talented team is or who is behind center, you can't make those types of mistakes against a Mahomes/Reid team in the playoffs and expect to win a close game down the stretch. Once in the 4th quarter, and Once in the OT Brock Purdy walked off the field with his team leading the game and both times the defense failed to hold up on their end. But, a lot of people insist that Purdy should have won the game because of his stocked roster. If the stocked roster makes mistakes or fails to make impact plays how is that a reflection of Purdy? Most of us agree that Purdy didn't play lights out last night, but he wasn't terrible. However, there is one thing he is going to have to do going forward. He's going to have to learn how to play off script when things breakdown or when the game plan isn't working. Shanahan, as someone pointed out, has had double digit lead in all 3 of his SB loses...with 3 different QB's. A lot of the blame has to fall on him. Purdy will probably end up having to carry his coach instead of the other way around if the 49ers are going to get over the hump and win a SB.

That loose coverage resulted in several plays where KC had guys running wide open downfield on crossing routes during critical moments of the game. Overall, I think the 49ers gave a solid effort, but they didn't come thru when the game was on the line.

Then in the 3rd quarter SF gave their best offensive weapon 2 touches. This combined with the muffed punt changed the entire complexion of the game. I agree to a point. But, when they had chance to prevent a tie in the 4th quarter they didn't. When they had a chance to prevent a game winning TD or game tying FG in overtime they failed again, despite the fact that the defense had plenty of time to rest due to the brake between regulation and OT...and the fact that the 49er FG drive took over 8 minutes off of the OT play clock. I don't agree with your reasoning on this one. If the 49ers have an elite defense it isn't unreasonable to expect them to keep a team off of the scoreboard in OT to win the game...or at the minimum hold them to 3 and prolong the game. Nope, they let the Chiefs march right down the field and get a TD. Bingo. Shanahan did a worse job play calling down the stretch and scheming his big play guys open than Reid. Deebo had 6 touched last night (passing and receiving combined). George Kittle caught 2 passes for 4 yards. Elijah Mitchell had 2 carries for 8 yards. Spagnola did a better job neutralizing his opponent in the 2nd half than Wilkes. The KC defense only gave up 3 scores after halftime (including OT)despite not getting any turnovers (I'm not counting the punt which was a special teams turnover caused by a fluke play). The SF defense gave up 2 TDs and 2 FG's for a total of 4 scores. The coaching played a huge part in the loss which is why I don't see why someone want to pin the loss largely on Purdy.

Or, maybe the Niners' highly touted defense needs to make a stop when it counts. If your team can't stop a team from getting game tying or game winning drives with the game on the line, can your really argue that its "stacked" or "elite"? After halftime it seemed like every time the Chiefs needed to score they did. The KC had guys running wide open in the 2nd half. Even Romo commented on how easy those zone coverages were being exploited.

Purdy is a 2nd year player drafted in the 7th round. He was forced to come in and start in 2022 after Trey Lance (a first round pick) got hurt and never relinquished the job. 2023 was the first time Purdy started a complete 17 game season. Even the great Patrick Mahomes sat the bench during his rookie year. I blame this loss largely on KC winning the coaching battle in the 2nd half. If Reid had been coaching that Niners offense with Purdy behind center last night I'm sure he would have dialed up some plays to get Deebo and Kittles more involved. Neither guy had a "major impact" in the SB and it ended up hurting SF in the end.

Agreed. But, I don't think Shanahan would abandon the run as much if he had 2 beasts to hand the ball too.

No one does it alone. I actually think Shanahan needs to draft a big back to come in spell MaCaffrey during the game and to use in short yardage situations. Their backup RB is ok, but I think SF could continue to run effectively with CMC on the bench if they could find 6ft+/225lb+ back in the middle rounds of the draft to complement MaCaffrey. If Shanahan had one of those last night he would have a much better shot at winning that game.

MaCaffrey had about 160 total yards in the game. He scored a TD and led his team in rushing and passing yards. Yet, CMC only had 2 touches in the 3rd quarter...the quarter that saw KC get back into the game after the 49er offense stalled and the special teams muffled the punt that resulted in a go ahead TD one play later.

I think Purdy is getting too much blame for this loss. 1)He didn't have any turnovers. 2)He didn't take any big sacks that cost them points or knocked them out of scoring range 3)He didn't fumble away a scoring opportunity in the red-zone (ie:CMC) 4) He wasn't on the field when the muffed punt occurred in the 3rd quarter. This is where KC got the big momentum swing. All Ray-Ray had to do was fall on the ball instead of trying to pick it up to run. 5) He didn't miss any extra points. When the 49ers needed to score to take the lead or tie the game in the 2nd half, he came through. Had this game been played under the old OT rules he'd be a SB champion today. Let's not forget that this was his first full season as a starter. Not bad for a 7th round pick. He should get better with time. He could have played better, but I don't see how anyone can blame the loss mainly on him.

Shanahan reminds me of Tom Landry. Landry was super intelligent...and arguably the only guy in NFL history during the SB era who could be his own own offensive and defensive coordinator. Yet, the Cowboys often chocked in big games under Landry. He tended to over analyze things and make big mistakes in crucial moments of championship games. Pete Gent (North Dallas Forty author) has said he never understood how someone so smart would freeze up at the worst possible times. The Cowboys were preseason favorites to win the championship from 1967-1970 and fell short every year. Each loss was to a less talented team. Landry finally got over the hump in 1971 when Staubach took over at the QB position. Shanahan has lost 2 SB's to Reid. And both times his team outplayed KC for the majority of the game. His offense lost their first half momentum in both losses. He was also the OC for Atlanta when they blew a 28-3 to NE and lost the SB. He needs to figure out why his teams can't put games away when it counts. Had his teams scored 1 more TD in the 2nd half in any of the above 3 SB losses, they would have walked away as world champions.