MHS831

I have been screaming for an edge in round two at #39--so have some of you. I had become quite familiar with the edge players who are expected to be there on day 2. Then I stumbled across this name: LB Drew Sanders. I remember how much the coaches like position flexibility and just cannot imagine them not loving this guy. The Panthers talked to him at the combine, fwiw. According to NFL.com: Unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher. The former five-star Alabama signee transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 season and posted eye-catching production with the Razorbacks. He plays with good technique in take-ons and has plenty of pursuit range, but he’s still finding his footing with his run fits and tackle consistency. He’s a tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside. yes please. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/drew-sanders/32005341-4e29-0589-5c62-ee6a75833b2f

Funny, you never know about sources. There was once a reporter in my hometown who broke political scandal after scandal. When she retired, she told me her sources (1 source was all she had) --I thought, "someone in politics--high up." Nope. She said her friend was a waitress at this place everyone used to go for lunch because of its location. There were back rooms and private corners, but she would overhear conversations all the time. They treated her like she was a nobody, assuming that she was a simpleton who was disinterested in their discussions. Actually, she was a parent of children in the school system, and much of the dirt she would hear was about the board of education politicizing the schools and its finances (budgets for building maintenance--politically-appointed principals, etc.) That waitress provided information that caused the NC School Board in Raleigh to dissolve that school district and force a merger into the larger county district in which it was located. She understood the political circles and the players in each, so when she saw certain combinations of people, she knew to pay attention. I wonder if these reporters make connections like that? Of course, I recall the Richardson "Pie Chart" presser, during which the Panther former owner hit on Morgan Foherty (sp?) and seemed to get frustrated with Darin Gantt. A week later (or so), Gantt was taken off Panther duty and assigned women's volleyball at Winthrop. So maybe they are scared.

We could. I routinely mock Strange or Schoonmaker to the Panthers later--

You can't enter the draft with 4-6 needs and think you are going to meet them. You are going to meet 2, maybe 3 needs. The Panthers simply have to determine what needs are realistically met at 39 and 93. I would say that there is more likelihood that we package 93 and 114 to move up to about 80 or so than to trade back and meet 4-5 needs. In my view as of today (it changes), I would say the following: 1. QB 39. Edge 93. CB I think they can take a flyer on a G at 114, but I just don't see the WR value anywhere in this draft. I think the are going to roll with what we have, hoping better OL and QB play will improve Marshall, Shenault, etc. If they take a G at 39, he is a starter and they are determined to protect the QB (probably Young). Then they would move up to take a serviceable Edge and call it a day.

The reason I like Pro football better than College football is this--in college, Sabin wins because Sabin gets better players. In the NFL, the players are pretty even. Coaching matters. Football IQ matters, technique matters, free agency matters, the draft matters, chemistry matters. The general manager and capologist matter about as much as the coaches and scouts. Winning is such a complex formula. Alabama has about 3 games where the opponent is a threat to beat them--they play 12 games, I believe. To me, that is like having 9 preseason games. I can say that for the first time since I can remember, we are doing everything possible to win a championship.

I am still a little concerned that we did not take Howell--I am a bit biased Regardless, neither Corral nor Howell is the answer...

An attempt to link motivation with brain research so that we can regulate the NFL draft experience in a way that avoids PTSD.

I detect a Serotonin imbalance. Stay away from heights and sharp objects, mate.

You can buy dopamine. I know a guy.

Explain this in relation to the nucleus accumbens--as you know, the interface between motivation and action. There is no danger in getting excited about the draft because the anticipated reward is intrinsic and individualized. Frankly, this process makes me more knowledgeable about the league because I delve into the players' skill sets and backgrounds before the draft--and I follow them as they play for other teams. If you are looking for an extrinsic reward, then fantasy footballers should know the benefit. I do not see the message you are sending because it is pure enjoyment for me--and the moment more significant than the deed itself, to me, is the moment of anticipation. Your response seems to suggest that there is a component of trauma associated with the disappointments associated with draft expectations. Is that a fair statement? Trauma, whether real or imaginary, triggers the amygdala and that inhibits the functioning of the hippocampus. That then impacts dopamine because the person enters survival mode--so I am skeptical that the draft has the power to harm dopamine production--but I have not researched it. To me, it makes the NFL a year-round spectator sport.

When I watched him, he looked very good. Of course, 1 game, 1 type of opponent. That is where people mess up when evaluating OL. They say things like, "He was great vs. one of the top edge rushers in college football" but that rusher is not a bull rusher. When that OL faces a bull rusher, he gets knocked into the QB's dental work. Teams realize that, and they put bull rushers on him until he adjusts. Same with run blocking vs. pass blocking. So take it for what it is worth.

Good post. 10 bonus points for using the word "conundrum" in the introduction. That tends to keep the trolls and dolts from reading the rest.

I find it very odd that we have not addressed CB at all this free agency period. I mean, one of our starters tore his Achilles tendon. Henderson and Taylor? OK depth, I guess, but this is probably Jackson's last season here anyway.

Panther Defensive additions: Defensive End: Williams, Tuttle, Anderson (counting him because he was out so much last season), Nose Tackle: Penisini Linebacker: Grugier-Hill Safety/Nickel: Rowe, Bell THAT is ALSO Seven Players (4-5 possible starters) that should contribute and allow us to use Chinn better. Panther Offensive Additions: Guard: McCray Tight End: Hurst Wide Receiver: Chark, Theilen, Byrd Quarterback: Dalton Running Back: Sanders Another Seven Players--4 starters (5 if you count Bozeman)--bringing the total of free agents expected to contribute to 14 players.

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.