MHS831

In fairness to those who want an OT in round 1, I thought I would take a look at the concerns about the group then get into the wisdom of drafting an OT in round 1. The thing to keep in mind: This is a thin tackle class at the top, possibly the weakest since 2015, and that context matters. A team in desperate need will reach and probably force that player into a starting role. I wrote/put this together with knowledge of Huddle perspectives. So I decided to take a look at the OT group as a whole and break them down as ranked by most sites. I am not high on the top of the draft; some are, predicting as many as 7 OTs being drafted in the first round. That could be more about need than quality, however. According to Fansided there are 18 OTs in the top 150 players ranked (April 6). Here, I will demonstrate how the top of the draft is flawed, but I think there is some developmental OT depth later that would be ideal for the Panther's needs. However, this is about looking for a T early in the draft. In my view, the OTs that have a chance to be first-round picks are mentioned here. After these seven, I see a drop off. The Shopping List: Most people have Francis Mauigoa their number one Offensive Tackle in the draft. There is one problem. He's a guard, he just doesn't know it yet, based on his body type. Secondly, he is a right tackle at the moment, and with 33" arms (below borderline for a tackle but not such a detriment for a Right tackle), so there are issues that could impact how early he might go. I think he will fall, but not sure how far. Ideally, if he is to stay at OT, I think he'd be most appealing for the Falcons, with their southpaw QB. However, it should tell you a bit about the class if the #1 OT is a RT/G. Regardless, the chances are very slim that he slips out of the top 12. After the #1 OT (RT/G) from MIami, then the #2 ranked OT on most boards is Utah's RIGHT TACKLE Spencer Fano. With 32" arms, he also seems destined for Guard. If you look at successful offensive tackles in the NFL with arms shorter than 34", only 35% of starting OTs have arms shorter than 34". Only two have arms that are 32", and they are not pro bowlers. While it can be done, is drafting a player to fill a need at OT worth a first rounder when the player comes in at a disadvantage? It is important to understand the difference between pass blocking in college (shotgun). For this reason, I expect Mauigoa and Fano to drop--Fano more than Mauigoa. I see Fano going in the top 12 also. In my view, the best tackle value in this draft is perhaps Kadyn Proctor, a Left tackle (finally?). Proctor has more issues than his weight (He is best around 350 lbs but has been as high as 390). Proctor has a ton of upside; with a ridiculous vertical (32.5") and 40 time (5.2) for a 350+ lb man, but there are concerns. Another OT with sub 34" arms (33 1/8"). Proctor is beaten with underneath pressure, requiring him to shift his weight. Proctor's tools and SEC experience will keep him in the first-round conversation despite the concerns. The ceiling is a starting left tackle who anchors a line for years. The floor, as with the first 2 OTs, is a kick inside to Guard. Getting there requires weight discipline, better hand technique to offset the arm length, and real development in pass protection. The raw material is rare enough that the investment makes sense. Proctor is a bit of a wildcard, but some see him as a top 20 pick, so he could be in play for the Panthers. I think he would make a good RT, but if he fails, he could be a guard for a decade. I am just not a fan of a big man with a weight control issue when he is playing a sport that practices 2 hours daily. It is possible that the first OT taken in the NFL draft is Georgia Left Tackle Monroe Freeling. (Arms over 34" !!!!) Many Huddlers have been praising him for a while--even back when he was mocking in round 2. Freeling is a project, however. He is made to play OT in a wide zone blocking scheme (about 75% of NFL teams run it to some degree). However, his run blocking is below average. NFL Draft Buzz describes his potential this way: "The movement ability is genuinely rare for a player his size, and the improvement arc across 2025 suggests he responds to coaching. A team that can give him a developmental window behind a veteran, add the right weight, and pair him with an offensive line coach who will drill the details has a chance to develop a long-term left tackle. The tools are there. The question is patience." So if a team needs an immediate starter and that team runs more gap scheme blocking--he will bust. In other words, he needs some time (which would make him ideal for Carolina) with a good OL coach and he needs the right scheme (the Panthers run the wide-zone blocking scheme). I would go as far as to say this: If Freeling is there at 19, it could be a great fit in Carolina for the reasons already stated, but he is a project. I think he is drafted top 16. If Freeling, the only true, "sure fire" OT mentioned so far is gone, Utah's Caleb Lomu is another Tackle (left) with arms shorter than 34" (33 3/8"). Except for the shortish arms, Lomu is very similar to Monroe Freeling. Lomu ran a sub 5.0 40. He has great hands and feet, but lacks core strength. Lomu has only 27 college games and 1,620 career snaps under his belt. His pass blocking jumped meaningfully from his first year starting to his second, which tells you he absorbs coaching and applies it quickly. A team that drafts him late in the first round is not buying a finished product. They are buying a left tackle with rare movement skills and legitimate blind-side protection ability who needs a year or two of NFL strength and conditioning work to round out the run game and shore up the anchor. That is a bet worth making, because when the body catches up to the feet and the hands, the result could be a fixture at the most premium position on the offensive line for a decade. A good fit for Carolina because he can develop for a season. In my view, Lomu might be the best chance we have for a LT candidate, but if the Panthers want him, they may have to leapfrog Detroit (17th pick) if not sooner. There is a chance Detroit goes after an edge, but T is their biggest need. Essentially, the top 5 OT candidates are either closet guards or developmental OTs. This is why I have shifted my offensive tackle focus to more realistic and practical options. Frankly, I have two RIGHT TACKLES left before the talent level rolls off a cliff. It is very possible, since 9 teams claim OT (a popular position) before pick 19, we could be looking past the top 5: Many OT rankings have Blake Miller rated too low. He has the same deficiencies as those rated higher, but he has more experience (54 straight starts) and has shown positive progress throughout his time at Clemson. With 34"+ arms, very sound pass protection due to elite lateral agility and recovery speed, Miller is ready for that phase of pass protection in the NFL. His issue, as others rated higher, is run blocking, but in a wide zone scheme on the right side, that weakness is not as critical as it would be if he were asked to drive block or protect gaps. In my view, Miller would be an ideal fit here to play behind Moton, but I do not see him as a swing OT. In essence, if Miller is drafted, he is Moton's replacement--insurance (Moton's knee) in 2026, the full-time starter in 2027 at a 10th of the salary Moton has commanded during the year they probably give Bryce a big deal. So if the eye is on the cap and future OL starters, Miller would be an excellent pick--but I think we could trade back and get him. The stunt recognition, the foot quickness, the ability to recover when initially displaced, all of it is backed by four years of data and thousands of snaps. An offensive line coach will feel comfortable penciling him in as a starter on the right side early in his rookie deal. The run game is where the work needs to happen. His pad level, hand placement, and ability to move defenders at the point of attack fall short of what you want from a starting NFL tackle. He will get shed at the second level, and there is no evidence he becomes a people-mover. But these are technique issues rather than athletic limitations, which matters. Zone-heavy rushing schemes that ask tackles to reach and seal rather than drive defenders off the ball will get the most from Miller (Carolina, for example). His lateral agility is built for that style, and his pass protection floor gives him real value as a dependable right tackle with a clear ceiling if the run game catches up. It is doubtful that Max Iheanachor is better than Miller, but many have him rated above Miller because his ceiling is perhaps higher. His issue is discipline which could be related to bad technique; he had 16 penalties and several protection breakdowns throughout 2025, and pass pro, like the others, is his strength. Tell me if this sounds familiar (it describes several of the higher-rated OTs): "The ideal landing spot is a zone-heavy offense with a strong offensive line coach and enough veteran presence on the line that Iheanachor doesn't have to carry the unit from day one. If he can sit behind an established starter or at least split time during his rookie year while refining his hand technique and protection calls, the payoff could be enormous. His physical tools and competitive fire put him in rare company among the tackles in this class. He is not the most polished blocker available, but he might have the highest ceiling of any of them. In a draft cycle thin on blue-chip tackle talent, that combination of traits and trajectory makes him a legitimate value pick." (Draft Buzz) Repeat this statement: "The weakest OT class since 2015." Nine (9) teams pick ahead of the Panthers that list OT as a need. All of them have issues that make it difficult to draft an OT when there are so many needs for starters or key rotational players (DT, S, CB, WR, LB, C, TE). However, if you look beyond 2026, you would realize that the Panthers are going to create a $50m or so cap hit if they keep Bryce. That means Moton (knee, age) is likely gone. Ickey may never return to form. Wallace is a rental in all likelihood, and Forsythe lets more people by than a Walmart greeter. I see the logic in taking a a right tackle for 2027, but do you do it with the first overall pick? I would love Freeling, but he will be gone. I would love Lomu, but we have Wallace and Ickey could come back. He has only played LT, so I am not confident that he could backup Moton. Miller is the most practical pick, and if you could trade back to get him, you could add a pick to soften the blow of spending your first rounder on a reserve project. Disclaimer: I am very "pro OL" when it comes to the draft, but I oppose using that pick for the fourth or fifth best option in a notoriously weak class, so I am biased. I strongly oppose drafting a T in round 1 that possibly projects to guard, or has physical limitations that make his chance for success more difficult. We are very fortunate that Morgan landed a starting LT in free agency. We are in a bind with Ickey's future and salary in doubt, Moton's knee, and our only free agent is suspect. I encourage you to be very cautious about rating college OL based on film--you really have to look at the physical attributes. Demonstrations of coachability, agility, strength, and work ethic. Blocking when the QB is under center is different. NFL defenses are very different.

To be clear, I am not advocating for drafting a WR. As for the OTs we have met with--I am not sure how or when or where and whether or not that even matters. I can say this about OL: Those tackles would not play much (unless there is an injury and Fano is probably going to be a guard. Lomu seems to have slipped a bit (based on the perspectives of crackheads who publish on the interweb or broadcast from their pods.) I like Lomu. I like Proctor--I think he is the #1 OT but the weight (he was 390) scares me. Imagine him with $10m in his bank account at the gas station when the 16-pack of Reeses Peanut Butter Cup is right below his fingertips at the counter. NOOOO! Blake Miller might be the most practical option, to be honest. I watched his vidoes for several minutes (not to exceed 10 because my father played for the Gamecocks when I was born) and I was impressed. At 19? A bit rich, but we don't know what the GMs know. Bryce's contract is another issue. If they decide to give him a bag of money (suicide hotline 1-800-JUMP), they are going to have to part ways with some vet contracts. Moton, Hunt, and Lewis come to mind. Ickey could be gone too. So....I assume we will have a starting center by next year...

It is hard to say--if you look back at our roster from 4 years ago...In addition, we have a ton of money going into our OL right now (which might strengthen the argument to draft a tackle now) The average NFL career is under 4 years, but the average NFL career for first rounders is 9.3 years, so most get 2 contracts. So having said that, I look at it as capital--if your concern (legit) becomes an issue, then you should have the same vision and trade that player and draft his replacement. However, TMAC, Coker, and a rookie is not likely to be a problem for another 4 years--2030. But to your point, we have a situation right now that the OL has 2 guards and a RT around or over 30. The make about $70m per year. I like the perspective of reality you bring, however. Is that a factor to morgan in 2026?

Yeah, nobody said it was a given, but the type of WR they are looking at in relation to where they expect to be drafted--can you find a position where we KNOW the Panthers have shown extended interest in three or more players who are expected to be drafted in round 1 at one specific position? If you can, please post it for us to discuss. I could not find one. This is all about reading and anticipating what they might do--based on very limited information. It is also to throw things out there to see who has an open mind or a closed mind. Of course, this is speculative--it is not even what I want, to be honest.

I wanted DT and LB then maybe a C. I also think someone will fall to 19 and make it difficult to stick to WR. An OT, perchance? Recent interest (seemingly) in WR suggests that they are giving up on XL. If so, I see WR as a big need since they want to surround their MiniQB with $200m worth of talent. I see Morgan rebuilding the OL in 2027 because he will have to make cap room for the $50m qb. Moton, Hunt, and maybe Lewis?

We read each other and we bring together influences from a variety of sources--that is what makes this time of year great. However, when you realize that the Panthers have talked to three (3) WRs expected to be there around #19, it must give us pause. We all knew about Cooper (who has been heavily mocked to the Jets at #16) and Concepcion (deemed to be the perfect Z WR based on his skill set). Then the other day, the Panthers quietly brought in another tall WR that seems to be less than a good fit at first glance. First, a glance at the top 2 WRs the Panthers have shown interest in: Cooper (projected to Jets at 16--could possibly go as early as 9) Concepcion (considered to be a perfect fit for the Z WR (leaving Coker in the slot and TMac at X) has one major issue that has plagued the Panthers (see Legette, Xavier, TMac) in the area of drops. Coker, on the other hand has never dropped anything in his entire life--including "in" or "by." He can't even eavesdrop. So, does that stat about Concepcion bother them? It does me. XL dropped 14% of his catchable balls as a rookie. Last year, he found new ways to screw up, such as not knowing the boundares or lateralling to Rico for a big loss. Yes, TMac was ROY and was terrific, but he had 8 drops, catching just under 60% of targets. Top NFL WRs are in the 70%-80% range--which is good news--it means that TMac can improve. He caught 70 passes and dropped 8, meaning that his drop rate was about 10%. If you are counting, Denzel Boston is another first-round WR whose stock may have dropped a bit because he did not run a 40 during his pro day. However, I see him as the #3 or #4 WR in this draft. Most people feel that Denzel Boston is in the TMac mold--a tall X. Many of the same criticisms (about separation and speed) face Boston now. Although he is primarily viewed as a physical X (split end) receiver due to his 6'4", 212-pound frame, Boston has a weakness that makes him less valuable as the X but more valuable as a Z. Boston's ability to get off a jam at the LOS has been questioned--something an X does nearly every play. While his size and contested-catch ability make him a prototypical X, scouts and analysts note he has the versatility to move across the formation, including taking snaps in the Z or as a big slot, often helping to create mismatches. This would make him interchangeable with Coker. Even if Legette does not come around, the Panthers would have a three-headed hydra at WR. For much of last season, the Panthers had TMac, a goofy XL, and Versatility: Beyond being an X receiver, he is considered capable of playing Z or in the slot, allowing for movement across the formation. Physicality: With his size and strength, he can play on the outside, making him a strong red-zone target. Role Projection: While he primarily played on the boundary, his profile fits as a versatile receiver who can align in multiple spots to exploit matchups. His 6-foot-4 height and 209-pound weight are ideal for an outside receiver who can play both X and Z positions at the next level. NFL Combine write-up: Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value. The Panthers have looked at three Z WRs who will be first-rounders in all likelihood. They have a proven track record of bringing in first-round picks. The tea leaves are strong in this case. here is Greg Cosell talking to the Bills analysts. What he says about Boston (compares to TMac) is interesting (4:45). https://www.buffalobills.com/video/greg-cosell-breaks-down-wr-draft-class-buffalo-bills Screen Shot: No share available. "I don't think you have to just line him up inside (slot). I think you can play him outside (X)." That comment suggests he can play X, slot, or Z. He then compares KC Concepcion vs. Boston--very different WRs. In my view, Boston is more versatile. Boston has excellent hands and he wins contested balls. Red Zone--giving TMac someone on the other side of the field with the sure-handed Coker inside. What Cosell says later (about Hurst, actually, but it applies to Concepcion): "You can teach guys to catch a ball." He talks about Concepcion, Boston, and Cooper in succession. I get the feeling he is less impressed with Cooper than others are because he questions the competition--based on the Indiana system vs. zone etc. I would also say that any WR who has a good WR on the other side of the field probably gets less defensive attention. I should add that this also reflects poorly on XL, but I have said he would be a late bloomer. I had no idea how much he did not know about football. We shall see, but can you imaging how potent we'd be in 4 WR sets if he comes around? How do you cover that? (OT people are biting their lips right now) THE DRAFT It sure looks as though the Panthers are looking seriously at WR (the Z spot specifically) in the draft. Can you see any other position that has garnered this much attention for potential day 1 players? I cannot. I am concerned about the OT situation, don't get me wrong, but Morgan is going to think, "I have a starter and I brought in a swing T (Forsythe). Moton is a real concern. We may look at RT later--and I know how others feel about it. We could re-sign BC and he would be available after a month or two....I dunno. Less than 2 weeks to go--just thought I would take a look at WR because it seems, based on available "evidence," that a WR will be our pick....again.

I think, especially after their visit with Boston, that the Panthers are going WR again unless some player falls to them that they did not expect.

well said. The TE is great for the middle of the field (crosses, curls, seams, etc) and Bryce is not great throwing there. Maybe they blame the TE.

At 41 minute mark, Sadiq TE Ore

In the first, draft a guy who plays a position that you have to pay $25-60m on a second contract. If you have 4 of these players starting (over time), you save a lot of money that can be spent upgrading many other positions. The first rounder is not just about the talent of the player--it is a business arrangement. WR? I am fine with it. OT? I get it. Edge? Sure. CB? I understand. Safety or TE? Not in round 1. I think the Panthers will target Delp early day 3. So it was written.

Panthers at about 41 minutes---breezed over it rather quickly, tbh. (about 45 seconds). I don't like the pick.

I would not mind it, but I just don't see it. I see TE Delp here in round 4. I might go with Cooper (WR) in round 1. Travis Burke (was he a local visit? Played at Gardner-Webb for a while--I see him as a 6th or 7th). It sure looks like Safety could be the round 2 pick --I was hoping to grab a LB there--QB? We are going to bring in a UDFA. Of course, this is probably totally wrong.

That is correct because of the cap if nothing else. An OL that costs $100m per year, $15m in the backfield, another $10m at TE, and all we can afford at WR is a pack of rookies (lets say $15m for all of them--probably higher). That is $140m and it does not include the QB salary. If they pay Bryce, they are going to have to replace their guards and RT. In other words, we cannot afford to give Bryce playmates when he will demand 17% of the salary cap. In my view, you have 4 years to prove you can be elite. If you are not elite, you don't get $50m per year to keep the franchise in limbo. We have not constantly searched for competition for him when he has been below elite. I don't understand the logic behind what they are doing. Please tell me Tepper is not involved.

I think you make a point. OTs are not really available beyond the draft unless you overpay or just get lucky.

Who knows what is being said behind closed doors, but they sure seem determined to make the offense special to overcome a short, mediocre qb on his good days. He would argue that he is focused on Offense in the draft because he focused on 2 studs in free agency at LB and edge. We are not drafting a DT of S in round 1. I think we are drafting Concepcion or Cooper--WR. Delp? Probably a trade up on day 2 to the back half of the third round--maybe early fourth. A good blocker for his size and a tall (6-5) TE who runs a 4.49. I see the reason they love him. We will also be grabbing another LB in round 2, if I guess correctly. Bisontis (C) could be the second round pick, however. Maybe a S or DT in round 3? Morgan probably feels that he has plugged the holes with 2 free agent OTs--so don't expect one early. Watch for players like Travis Burke in round 7. (he played at Gardner Webb, by the way) C? Maybe a short armed T or G if Bisontis is not taken earlier.

I have heard about Delp-- https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-oscar-delp

How was David Newton scooped? He is usually breaking news and providing cutting-edge insights. Remember when he took that picture of the moon between his fingers so it looked like a glow booger? That kind of stuff is what we need. And we need a guy who reposts Ian Rappaport and Joe Person.

Since about 80 of you have sent me a PM to chime in on this topic, I will appease the masses: I have some weird views on RBs. Get a RB that can catch and block. If you want great running, get an OL. Never, except in rare situations, sign a RB to a second contract. When they peak at age 27, you rarely get a return on the investment. The most important trait for a RB is not speed-it is vision.

I get it. this is the conservative approach, but we are talking about a right tackle.He is a player I really like,but at 19? This mock would appeal to the people who want an OT in round 1, but maybe addressing the RT spot is the way to go. Not sure if Miller can play both sides. He would sit behind Moton. With the LBs that are predicted to be there is round 2, hard to explain the TE--although this one is solid. Stowers is a very good TE and he would upgrade the position and offense immediately. Farmer: If he skipped his SR season, how did he play in the SR bowl? Farmer is a good OL, but I this would be another pick who sits year 1. Very conservative with a practical eye to the future--if you consider the $$ they will pay Bryce, it is possible Moton and at least one of the guards is not on the 2027 roster. In that case,, this is very nice. However, if you are looking for help in 2026, this is minimal.

Yes. Need increases the appeal, as does depth of talent at the position. If you need a QB and there is a G who rates much higher, you are not taking G, for example. I also think you must consider the cap. If I can keep my QB on a rookie contract (since the position is not factored in) when the average QB in the NFL earns $35m (guess), as opposed to the average guard ($10m or so) I get more cap room--and the upgrades to those players must factor into the decision. It is easy to say "BPA" if you are wearing blinders, but if get a QB on a rookie deal and a guard and tight end in free agency....it makes no difference if the Guard is predicted to be a hall of famer--you take the Qb. (these are just examples)

No LBs. I can see WR Cooper here, and Concepcion (nearly 10% drop rate) bothers me...and it is interesting that they brought it Bisontis--maybe to see him snap? ... Looks like they want an emergency QB from the UDFA pile....One might project S as a day 2 pick, based on this.

I am just hoping for a first-rounder who can catch and knows where the sidelines are.

Not kidding--I met the green one a decade or so ago. He was the last living cast member. Told me some stories about the munchkins--

I am not reading the other posts before I say this: If he is an UDFA, I cannot think of a better place to go--an offense sorta built for a small QB. I sense a bit of Johnny Manziel in him, but he could settle into an emergency QB role here--He won at Vandy. Beat Bama. Worth a late round pick or UDFA contract. Now,, I am going to post this and then read what the Huddle has to say. (I admit I don't know much about him, but the highlights? He seems to be able to do what Bryce can do--maybe better because his team was not Alabama).

I would add that it is probably likely that you need a T during the season--I am wildly speculating that they like something about Forsythe. However, that is not enough. We need 4 players who can play OT in the NFL---we have 3. That suggests that we are going to add an OT at some point. Perhaps related, but probably a pure depth move: Brady Christensen is an interesting situation--we should sign him. He is likely to miss the first 2 months of the 2026 season, and he will be 30. He can play all OL positions. That would give depth when it is usually most needed--the last half of the season. With his injury, I doubt his phone is ringing much. I think I would offer a 2-year deal (1.5 if you want to be realistic) for the vet minimum.