MHS831

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.

If it were me, I would take Proctor over the rest, but I would have a firm understanding and (if this is legal) an escape clause in his contract if he decides to spend his signing bonus at the Pancake Barn (the edible kind). After that, Freeling and then Lomu to a lesser degree. I really like Miller, but he is a RT only, based on my understanding. I am not dismissing the quality of Tackles that are expected to go day 3. They have issues, but they also have time to develop. I think of it this way: When would Freeling have been drafted in 2025? What happened between 2025-2026 that moved him from a mid-rounder to a top 16 player? Find a guy with upside if you are not starting him day 1 and develop him. That is how I would approach it--I am sure there are others who might do it many different ways.

I feel the same. OK, tell me which OT is on your radar if you were the GM--

I can agree with this statement if you really like the OT who is available. The fact that they are "rare" (along with QB, Edge) positions to find should also play into it. If we have a roster that allows for BPA, you should (as you say) consider the difficulty it takes to find a replacement. Furthermore, you don't want a rookie playing LT--regardless of who it is. All that to demonstrate how I get the decision to draft a T if they like the player and have a need that could be worse than I understand right now. Morgan signed a starting LT and a swing T in free agency. He signed a starting Center. We also need a "Z" WR, DT, S, TE and LB. Of those, we need 3 starters for 2026 (Z-WR, LB, S) and 2 rotational players (DT, and TE). C and OT are the only players who, if we draft them, are likely to sit and not start or work into a rotation. The Panthers seem to be in "Win Now" mode. For that reason, I do not see OT or C being drafted until the last day.

I would think the surgeon would have a prognosis about recovery time and opine on the success of the surgery. As for Moton, we have been monitoring his knee for some time. How is it too early? You are collecting as much information as possible to develop a strategy on the draft. Nobody can predict anything ever--I think you misunderstood my comment--not sure I was as clear as I needed to be.