MHS831

I was not that impressed with the pool of talent there--you can get a play maker (in my opinion) or a surefire solid starter at #39. The problems surface when you trade down to try to fill too many needs. My opinion? Take the edge or G at 39. Lotta people want WR or TE there--but I am really warming to the TCU guard Avila at 39. Not a popular opinion, but BC was not that good at LG last year, and if he moves to swing tackle, we fill 2 needs.

PURELY HYPOTHETICAL CONJECTURE DESIGNED TO GIVE ROUND 2 A BIT MORE FOCUS AND GIVE THE STROUD/YOUNG/AR discussions a rest. Going by the trade value chart, the easy partner is...... Da Bears. The Panthers would send Chicago #39 and #93 (638 points) for picks #53 and #64 (640 points). Bears' Round 1 selection: The Bears need a LT and they might select Paris Johnston (Ohio State) or Peter Skoronski (Northwestern, Ironically, who grew up in Chicago, went to Northwestern, but rooted for the Packers because his grandfather played for Green Bay under Lombardi.) OL to protect Fields is priority #1. With pick #39, the Bears will try to grab an edge rusher--that could cause them to trade up. Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas State) has been a player they are believed to like quite a bit. They added a free agent edge rusher, but they need another. If the Bears were to trade up (Fitterer and Poles apparently have a relationship), the Panthers would get 2 picks in this range (worth it?): Panthers pick #53: Tuli Tuipulotu is perhaps the most versatile edge rusher in this draft, and that could be very appealing to a team like the Panthers. (I think he is ranked a bit low here). Here is what NFL.com said about the USC All-American after the combine: "Defender possessing the rare blend of size, strength and athleticism to line up as an interior or edge defender in both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. Tuipulotu plays with a go-go motor from the first snap to the last. His heavy-handed attack and ability to shed help compensate for a lack of length at the point of attack, while quick feet help him disrupt in gaps. He can play with a hand down or standing but needs to play with better discipline to eliminate voided fits. Tuipulotu is a power-based rusher with decent bend and flatten talent but he’s unlikely to win with his get-off alone. He should become a good starter." I would think he would be a nice selection at pick 53, but if you want more of a smaller pass rushing OLB/edge, Hall (Auburn) and Foskey (Notre Dame) should be available. Panthers pick #64: In my view, Zavala (OG from NC State) could start at LG as a rookie if Christensen is moved to swing OT. He has visited the Panthers. If not, the CBs in this range are impressive--there are 4 who could make us better at the position (Rush, Smith from South Carolina), Stevenson (Miami), and my personal favorite, Julius Brents (Kansas State). Brents is interesting because nearly every team in the NFL had him in for a visit. AT ANY RATE--THIS IS MY ATTEMPT TO DIRECT FOCUS FROM THE FIRST ROUND--WE COVERED IT.

How the NFC South could be most impacted by the draft (concerning QB) and how Houston might maneuver to acquire picks and still get a top QB: Imagine: 1. Panthers: Young 2. Houston: Trade to Colts: Stroud (Colts surrender pick #4, 35, and next year's second rounder) 3. Cards: Trade to Falcons: AR (Falcons give up #8, 44, and next year's first rounder) 4. Houston: Anderson 12. Houston: Levis 19. Tampa Bay: Hooker I should point out that Washington, New England, and Tennessee might be aggressive in moving up for a QB...

You think AR (based on his upside) has overcome his poor production in college and limited experience to qualify to be the first pick taken (at least be in the discussion)? Interesting, because I did not until last week when I saw a piece about him going to Atlanta in the draft. I was thinking, "Oh, shi#!" His potential scared me to death. I think it is possible that 2 of the top 4 QBs end up in the NFC South--which would make it very interesting. I am guessing Hooker could sneak into the NFC S as well.

Unless they trade back, it is going to be an Edge. Disclaimer: Unless it's not. I give edge a 50% chance, CB and G each 20% chances. I see no WR who will be there at 39 much better than what is already on the roster now.

If he is there, I think they have to take him. However, I was reading that a player like Luvu could move to OLB on passing downs. Furthermore, Barno is developing and offers a developing OLB/edge. Finally, YGM can play outside on running down, moving inside to DE when Barno or Luvu takes over at OLB. So that confused me--I think we need a stud pass rusher, not a committee, but I am also a big fan of developing your talent and not burying it. So we will see. The more I think about it, the pick will probably be dealt and a G could be the first pick on day 2.

If I recall, he wanted to save it when dealing with the Bears. If he can find a taker, getting 2 picks in the 55-75 range would be ideal, imo.

I think they will go edge with the second round pick, but they could draft OL for a starting G (TCU kid) or CB. When you consider that, for the most part, the days 1 and 2 picks have a chance to start or be key contributors, we'd be very lucky to get 2 players after QB. I would say that WR is now less likely to be a day 2 pick-- Edge G CB (that is how I see it)

very possible. I really like the TCU guard, so my bias came pouring out.

OLB is the popular pick, and what I want. I just see their interest in a G, and under these conditions, they will want a starting G. I agree--I also think we need a CB more than people realize--and a WR---etc If we can get 3 impact players out of this draft--Win win win.

Originally, that is what I was mocking. However, when I see who they brought in, it tells me that they are looking for a starter--and that will only be found early. (Just my theory--nothing stated). Do we need a starting WR? probably not for this season right away. CB? Depends on Jackson. TE? Nope. OLB? Nope--but it would be nice. If they move Brady out of LG (assuming they do not love Mays or McCray) and make him the swing T, I could see them drafting G at 39. I never would have said that last week or before.

I think that this is important. Easy to list 5-7 needs and say, "We have 6 picks to fill these needs" In most cases, 2 needs will be filled during the draft--and QB is the first. So can we fill 3 needs with picks 39, 93, and 114? That would be amazing, but probably not. If I had to pick 2 needs after QB, I might go Edge (OLB) and G. I recently started thinking that G might be a need bigger than anyone realizes.

Not fair to go back to March 19 and call you out, but I recently posted something and I can't recall the source--that they preferred to have BC as the swing T and that is the reason they might draft a G. One thing is for sure, if the take Bryce, the OL will be top notch.

Just trying to read the tea leaves--and you know, it sorta makes sense. However this is like going to the car lot to buy a Corvette and driving away with a mini van. The van is practical and may fit your needs better, but you really wanted to make a big splash at the class reunion. I digress.

This suggests that the Canes will face the Bruins--not like a New Yorker to show so much respect for a team from Boston...seriously, where did you get a GIF of the mayor of Raleigh. Nicely played.

Some of the chatter (I think 45 comes to mind) has been about a swing T. To me, a swing T is almost as important as a starting OL. So instead of trying to draft one, let's take a look at the roster--BC is an ideal candidate for that. He was not stellar on the OL last year-the weakest link. With a short QB, we need no weak links up the middle. I definitely see what they might be thinking.

Thanks for sharing the "dumb fug" point of view. We don't aim to exclude any subgroup here on the Huddle.

Watching the Devils/Caps score and the Hurricanes game was nerve racking. Especially when NJ came back and the Panthers lost a 2-goal lead.

I had the same thought, but if Corbett and possibly Christensen are rehabbing, I am not sure they would draft another rehabbing G. I think there are 2-3 starting guards (day 1) in this draft. Avila is one of them.

Russia.

Oh yeah, you feel me? He got game.

The Panthers have brought in 4 OG candidates, suggesting that they are looking at the position very carefully. Brady Christensen scored a 57.3 on his PFF score, and he had 11 penalties at LG last year. Rumor is they want him to back up the OTs as the swing T, necessitating the need for a starting LG. While Cade Mays is an option, I would assume, there might be a early Guard selection needed to protect Bryce. One of the things that the Saints did when Brees was at QB was they kept stud OGs in front of him in pass protection, and it also improved the run game considerably. So maybe, instead of drafting another WR early, the plan is to upgrade LG. Two guards that have visited the Panthers for a private workout/meeting (numbers indicate player overall ranking in Bruglar's draft report): 40. Steve Avila, Center, TCU (PRI) Possible pick at #39. 77. Chandler Zavala, Offensive Guard, N.C. State (PRI) possible pick if we trade back or he falls to 93. About Avila: Overall, Avila needs to better understand his biomechanics to access his explosive power, but he plays with a strong base to anchor and control at either guard or center. He fits both zone and gap schemes and should be an immediate starter as an NFL rookie. The other guards the Panthers brought in (some listed at other positions, but all have G ability): Anthony Bradford, Offensive Tackle, LSU (COM, PRI) Probably a day 3 pick, and can play (possible pick at 114) Nick Saldiveri, Offensive Guard, Old Dominion (LOC—did not count against 30 visits) Yes--this screwed up everything about my mock draft. I blame myself.

That is funny as hell. I did not expect it.