Pup McBarky

This thread is going places.

And Thielen seems genuinely excited about him.

Stop.

We'll know a lot more after we see him play several games in Evero's defense.

Bryce is smart, but he's got to adjust to the closing speed of NFL players. If he has under 15 ints I'll be surprised and very pleasantly so. I think next year is when we see him make a huge leap.

I'm saying some players develop faster and some develop better in different circumstances under different coaches. Not remotely related to "7 years to turn a NFL franchise around." That's a red herring. Just providing a little perspective rather than automatically assuming what he has been is what he will certainly be under new a context. Kinda like everyone did with Geno Smith last year. This kinda thing seems to happen every year with a handful of players. Rather than being "outliers," it seems to be an annual trend. As I said, maybe you're right. Maybe he's nothing special. I prefer to wait and see how it plays out before passing judgement.

Evan Mathis ring a bell? Drafted by the Panthers, played less than a season for the Dolphins who released him, played for the Bengals where he was above average and then for Philly where he went on to be one of the best guards in the NFL from 2011-2013 - 6 years after being drafted. Context and coaching matter. Maybe Hurst isn't a first round talent. Maybe he's nothing more than a 2nd TE. Then again, maybe this is his year and this is his context. We'll see.

Special teams player if he makes the team. He's small, especially for a 3-4. He has decent speed, but wouldn't expect him to have a backup role. I'd be happy to be wrong, but he's basically the same size as Mingo.

6 bench reps? Dude will definitely need to spend time in the weight room.

I'm not suggesting he will. I'm saying it wouldn't surprise me if he does. I could see it. I could also see him just being a solid backup for years. I hope for the former. Again, realistically imagining someone surpassing expectations isn't the same as predicting it. Especially given that Zavala is a more natural guard than Christiansen.

Good video. I could see this guy stepping into the LG spot fairly early, freeing up Christiansen to play SwingT.

Grades this early are exactly like draft projections in February.

Ajiake is a good player but I don't know how he puts on 20 or more lbs of muscle on his frame. Maybe he will. Pool weighs 231, Ajaike 221 - that's the size of our new WR. Maybe they like him in Chinn's role, but he's gonna have a tough time as a 3-4 lb.

For all we know, Johnson turns out to be the steal of the draft. But I still don't like that he sucker-punched a fan. That's BS.

Now slot Zavala beside his buddy and let Christiansen play swing T.

Great pick.

Geez, Dawand Jones is a mountain.

A bugle

So much for "high character guys." I hope he works out both on and off field, but this pick is a poser to say the least. I'll be happy to be wrong on him.

I get the impression he'll do well for the Panthers for a season or two and then punch his girlfriend, get traded or released, play a couple more meh seasons in the NFL, become an MMA fighter and get his ass kicked by nobodies.

I think that's what most folks are saying...at least those who think positively of the circumstances. No one is saying he's a great owner or even a great asset (except for the tweet referenced) just yet, but things appear to be heading in the right direction. It's okay to express optimism.

This is a legitimate concern. I hope his players convince him to do this.

See my reply above. I agree. He's not proven to be an asset up until now, but he seems (emphasis on SEEMS) to be learning how to be one. I hope he is and continues in that direction.

Yeah, I think a better title for the thread would be "Dave Tepper CAN become a major asset." I hope he does and continues to be. We'll see.