UnluckyforSome

I think any real sense of hope during the Rhule era was completely dulled in that slog of a second season. That should have been the end of it. That start of the season, winning those games against the Sickly Saints, the Jests starting a rookie, and the Terrible Texans was the only time there was even a glimmer of playoff hopes. Rivera at least made it to the post-season a couple of times.

I think Cam lacked a little bit in touch. There is something to be said though for the quality of supporting cast we had for him. A couple of years of Smith, and Olsen was a mainstay, but after that it was a steep drop-off, either in consistency, quality or both. When he was in his prime though, he was one of the most unique players ever, and was very problematic for defenses. But that was a while ago now. It's unfortunate how things ended.

Same here. I think he's a rising star and I would not be shocked to see the Saints take him as a Kamara replacement.

Wilson is not a HoFer if he continues his current play. The Brees comparisons would be better. We saw enough of him to know.

I am expecting a defensive player at 39, assuming there is 1 that fits the spot. There are some good candidates at skill positions that might be around that number, but the wr class looks like a collection of slot guys for the most part. I think Gibbs has a chance to be a good back, but I don't think it's a need for us. So bpa defense is my guess.

Hurney should certainly get a big, big share of the blame. To tie it all together, flawed Rivera brought him up to DC in some sort of evaluator role. I guess he wanted more of Hurney's stellar draft work.

I think it's more suitable to say he wouldn't be a great fit actually. Saying they can't afford him brings so many other variables in to play, along with speculation about players getting cut etc. Rivera has numerous faults and flaws and we are all aware of them. Rake him over the coals for those shortcomings instead.

In a very mild defense of Rivera, it's not really too accurate to criticize him over Lamar Jackson, when to this point no other team has stepped up to the table as well.

I think picking up an edge/dline player would be more beneficial than 2 corners. I do think corner will be a need though. Otherwise I am pretty ok with the selections. A little meh on te, but I do think we are underwhelming at best there.

It would benefit his future if he Richardson actually fell down the draft board to a team that wouldn't necessarily have the pressure of playing him immediately. He is about as green as could be, and he will need an environment that will foster some real development. He is not ready to start day 1, or day 2.

Agreed. The enthusiasm is great but it's still a tad unwarranted. I mean we haven't even hit training camp and began swooning over roster guys that will be sure-thing difference makers.

He's too small. I'm not in charge though. If he is the pick I certainly hope he is able to overcome what seems like a disadvantage. Additionally, we have all seen players that perform magnificently in college and then falter at the next level, for various reasons.

Not worth the internet ink or time. The writer says it's not like we are NFL royalty, so he goes for the Mayberry argument and that we should be happy getting whatever we get because aw shucks y'all, we just ain't them big city royalty teams.

He was in over his head at the pro level. I am confident those young athletes will enjoy reading his new brochure, "The Way of the Cornhusker," and hearing all about how they lost because they didn't know why they lost.

Usually teams that win the off season don't win much during the regular season. Being ignored is just fine.

I don't know if I'd even say that. He was overshadowed in both, and 1 of those was an ensemble comedy, but everyone remembers McLovin instead. Anyhow. Not going to hijack the thread.

Isn't he awful in everything?

I somewhat see it as being a case of do we have 3 good corners that we can rely on? I'm not so sure that we have that.

Paper thin at cb. I wouldn't expect Jackson to come back good as new. The wr position is in need of help. Not a whole bunch to look at in the draft that might be able to contribute much immediately. I think lb is a need, but not priority. Depth on the oline/dline is always money well spent too.

It looks like a good deal. We weren't winning anything without a top of the line qb. The cost to move up is what the cost to move up is. No point in shoulda coulda woulda. Just have to hope that we have the right guy in mind, and we haven't Trey Lanced ourselves.

Is it not possible to be appreciative of the positive accomplishments, and critical of the mistakes? So many see it as an all or nothing scenario. Going all in on either approach isn't fair or even accurate.

I think it's a good start. The team needs a new direction and not the same old-same old that we've seen all our history. All the applause for what looks like the most impressive coaching staff in team history will not mean anything though unless we get the qb right. Easier said than done, but it looks like there is enough smarts and know-how to help with that now. It sure feels like an exciting time to be a Panthers fan. Been a while for that feeling honestly.

He was on Rome the other day and the possibility was brought up, with the Panthers changing over from the previous coaches. Smith said he knows very well what his limitations are, and he does not think of himself as a leader of men. He went on to say that he had coached 1 of his kids flag football team, and even that was pushing the limit. He's probably right in that he doesn't have the patience for it.

Sam is a high-end backup. There's not a thing in the world wrong with that because every team needs a good backup qb. He can come in and win a few games and be a competent replacement. It seems like every few games he will fall apart a bit though, and that's not starter material. He has the physical qualities but something is just a little off with the processing and what he sees happening on the field. He had a solid year, and should get a contract that pays him as a valuable backup.

Walterfootball has a scouting report posted for him. Comparisons are made to Cam...and...unfortunately...Hackenberg. For what it's worth, he's mocked him to the Raiders at 7.