MHS831

Vernon Gholston vibes? had 14 sacks at Ohio State in 2007; 45 games in the NFL: 0 sacks.

I want a high impact player, but a true FS who could qb the secondary might be more effective than we realize. I don't think Moehrig is that guy (I think he is overpaid, however). I want a flashy, high impact player, but we could use defensive qbs at ILB and FS. By upgrading skill AND adding vision and leadership, could we get better than if we added an edge or OT? I am not sure that I believe this myself, but I try to look at things from all perspectives. Here is some devil's advocacy stuff: 1. EDGE-We are freaking out about the pressure we put on the qb from the edge position. However, Jones II and Wonnum missed a total of 22 games. Scourton was a rookie and Princely was a third rounder. Wharton sucked (not sure if he was used properly--a hybrid who can rush from the 5 tech or 3, etc), and this put more pressure on Scourton and the other edge players. This year, we get Jones II, Scourton should continue to evolve with Princely. Perhaps another rookie is not what we need. Maybe a veteran situational pass rusher. 2. OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Of course, we need an OT, but the draft is loaded with OTs that can pass block but struggle in run blocking--so a rookie at LT might not be the answer for a team that wants to run first. What to do? I am not sure. I see Nijman returning after testing the market, but who knows? 3. INSIDE LB: A huge need, regardless of how you spin it. However, I see a few free agents who would be solid here, and I see the second round having a few ILBs with starting potential. I do not see an ILB worth the first round pick unless a freak falls to us. 4. With veteran defensive backs, a young, intelligent FS could fit in nicely. Intelligence is key--like the way Luke made the front 7 better. "A good, intelligent free safety (FS) acts as the "quarterback of the defense" transforming a unit from good to great by acting as the last line of defense, communicating pre-snap adjustments, and anticipating plays before they happen. By reading the quarterback's eyes and diagnosing offensive schemes, an intelligent FS acts as a "centerfielder" who can neutralize deep threats and mitigate errors made by cornerbacks or linebackers."

I get it. It would have to grow on you, but if we address a few needs in free agency, I could love it.

At the 2026 NFL Combine, the Carolina Panthers, led by GM Dan Morgan, are evaluating a deep draft class with a 600-player board, specifically targeting defensive upgrades and offensive playmakers . Key reported formal interviews include LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and DE Keldric Faulk (Auburn), while also considering safety Caleb Downs and WR KC Concepcion. AI Reported 2026 Combine Meetings/Visits: LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State): Confirmed formal interview with the Panthers. DE Keldric Faulk (Auburn): Confirmed formal interview with the Panthers. S Caleb Downs (Ohio State): Linked as a high-priority target for defensive improvement. WR KC Concepcion (NC State): Expressed interest in joining the organization, with the team highly aware of him, according to Carolina Panthers. Draft Focus and Strategy: Defensive Focus: The team is searching for defensive upgrades, particularly a long-term answer at linebacker to continue the legacy of Sam Mills and Luke Kuechly. Draft Board Depth: The Panthers entered the combine with 600 prospects on their board, as stated by GM Dan Morgan. Offensive Needs: Despite having the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tetairoa McMillan, they are exploring receivers to boost the passing game.

I am a Golday fan, but Kyle Louis is a smallish stud.

dumb question but I don't know the answer: What is an "informal meeting" (aside from what it means literally) and what makes it different from "formal meeting?" I don't know how to ask the question--but I guess I am wondering why an informal meeting is news, or if they were really interested, why not a formal meeting?

Until he hit that slump, my argument was stronger. I can say that the Bama Bump is perhaps not as substantial as it was before--but your points are valid. My point is based on a strong throwing performance at the combine--which is not more important than the film. if he throws well, I will bet that he goes in round 1.

Yes. I really like the group--Dillion Thieneman (ore) is a player I would consider in the first round (QB for the DBs), later? Bud Clark (TCU), Taafe (Texas), and McNeil-Warren (Toledo). I know many of us are thinking Edge, LB, or OT in round 1 but we could eliminate or reduce those needs in free agency I still like Golday (LB, Cincinnati) but I think Kyle Louis is pretty awesome looking--I think he is a bit short, but beason and Mills were a bit short too. (Beason is listed at 6 feet, Mills was a few inches shorter).

Your point about D. Brown never leaving the field is valid----I see Cam Jackson and Bobby Brown III as the NTs and Wharton and D. Brown as the other DTs. Wharton is safe through this season, but looks like he will be cut in 2027 should his play not drastically improve. Yikes!!! not much better, but for much less $$$ and then there is Derrick, who is really the only DT worthy of starting: While we have bodies, and Wharton could step up and Jackson and Brown III could improve--but in my mind, right now, we have an overpaid, undersized DT in addition to Derrick. Jackson and Brown III are big bodies. Depends on what we want to do up front.

I would also add that our free agency is going to make the draft much easier to predict.

I am pretty bullish about the DTs in this draft--I could even see us taking one at 19 if the right guy falls.

That $$ would bring in a pretty sound ILB in free agency.

WHat I try to do is disregard my personal preferences. My philosophy is spend $$ on the OL and not on RBs--never draft a RB in the first round and RARELY give a RB a second contract. There are exceptions, so for me, I would have to base it on needs over all else. We NEED a starting T We NEED a starting ILB We NEED a rotational Edge We NEED a starting C We NEED a WR to a lesser degee, if we stay healthy We probably NEED a starting FS. I am concerned that Rico will be gone (right move) and Chuba will be 27-about the age RBs start to decline. So you could make an argument for Love, but if we drafted Love at 19, I know we'd get good value, but I would be so pissed off.

He is 30, had a decent year (average in my opinion) and earned around $12m. He was decent, but the Cap savings for cutting him is over $10m.

right now, but if he throws well....Look, I agree with you, but we have both seen second rounders (in our view) get taken in the first round (Penix, Richardson, Pickett, Levis, etc) when they had the same kind of flaws. Personally, he has all the traits of a QB that flounders in the NFL--the experience, the inconsistency, etc. These qbs who play with leads 95% of the time, have better OL and better WRs that the opposition's DL and DBs---(bryce falls in this category) Maybe a team that wants him will trade up with us.

I think Kiper has talked about Simpson to the Steelers (around 21). However, I think everyone is saying this based on the dearth of QB talent and that Simpson, who is throwing, knocks off some socks. I could see him going to a Pittsburgh or LAR in the first round--- I could see teams grabbing him a round before he should go--we are talking about QBs. Is he better than Kenny Pickett? I think he went around 20.

After the combine, he will be mocking around 10

THIS^^^^^^^

In fact, I had forgotten that he is still on. He proves that nice guys don't always finish last. I respect him

I look at the QB situations in Miami and Arizona--and do not see bryce rising above that. If Simpson is there in the first--do you pull the trigger?

This has to be the year--and I think there are some good QBs whose stock price is beaten down in the draft--I am guessing there is one they like on day 3. But this pamper Bryce mentality has to end before he gets a big deal--take off the training wheels and have a Plan B.

He had an Achilles injury in 2024. Smart player. Good pass protector. had a down year in 2025. Has never played between two guards like Lewis and Hunt--should cost under $8m. At 28, he has 5 years left. I am not against it if we can get him for about $5m per.

interesting point. going to think about it because I have not up to this point.

I think Dan realizes we no longer need an older brother--we need a competitor.

Based on Morgan's comment about "cannot have enough pass rushers" I would say, if we sign a veteran, Edge is still on the table. Of course, we would then go LB, OT, or...............WR in the first round. I am still not confident that WR is out of the question.