MHS831

EXACTLY--I see them possibly moving up, but an edge rusher has to be on their radar.

So happy it was a one year deal. I have a feeling Hardman's deal was what triggered this!!! I AM OFFICIALLY PUMPED! HERE IS MY CERTIFICATE FOR BEING PUMPED

Fitterer said (when asked about Chinn) that Chinn would be used in the big nickel. Then he added that when in the nickel, they would move Horn to nickel. Maybe I am naive, but I do not like that at all. Taking Horn away from the outside WR and replacing him with the #3 CB (Henderson and or Taylor) is not cool. Draft or sign a nickel cb

Spinach Quiche, cob salad, and a Harvey Wallbanger. Keep em guessing.

Awesome analysis. I detected some bias in that processing and vision were not elevated--this is based on productivity and experience---the assets Young has are not as visible. But I get the logic and I see them as equals right now--I think this is as good a job of measuring the immeasurable as I have seen. Thanks for the contribution.

Maybe move up for a WR or Edge?

When I look at the smaller QBs in the NFL, I am not seeing a history of injuries that exceeds the larger QBs--the large QBs, the running QBs, etc. get hurt too. But Young is pretty slender for 5-10, so I dunno. Can he protect himself in the pocket? Yes, for the most part. Can we protect him? Yes. If we have an offense that gets rid of the ball quickly, which is what Reich tries to do, then his size is not as important as we are making it out to be--yes, he could get hurt, but so could Stroud. There is risk with either QB.

He has always had bigger QBs and the results have been mixed. As a former QB, would he be more impressed with the size of the QB or the leadership and processing speed? I am asking--I dunno. I can say that if you spent time with Young, you have to like and admire the guy. Or did he walk out thinking, "There are middle school QBs bigger than Young?"

To me, the most telling comment was when Fitterer said the following: “Nothing’s too big for him. Like, he can walk into any environment and be in total control. At 21 years old, if I walked into a restaurant, sat around with a bunch of 40, 50-year-old men, it’d be a little intimidating. Instead, he just sat there and asked us questions. We asked him questions. . . . Just a really, really solid person.” Fitterer also said, "(the way he sees the game) he's at a different level. He's already at that NFL level..." In other words, this 21-year old kid can lead veterans. In the non-Madden, real world, the locker room is important, especially for a QB. He can see the field (process--play point guard) and he is ready to start day 1. Ultimately, this is Fitterer's decision. The owner likes Young, some of the coaches prefer Young. (I am not sure that Reich has a favorite, but I would lean Stroud). These comments, if not smokescreen, describe qualities where Young surpasses Stroud. If all true, Young is the pick. However, the head coach and QB coach prefer Stroud, then there will be debate.

You have to think something is in the works because they are clearing cap room for this year--

Somehow, the Panthers have increased their salary cap to $29-30m. After saving $15m for rookies and injury free agents, that leaves about $14-15m. I am not sleeping well with what we have at WR at the moment. I think we need a free agent, and it seems the free agent WRs are getting deals in the $6m range. I have a few names I am keeping an eye on, hoping the Panthers make a move before the draft so we can draft an edge at pick 39. While I imagine it will be slow until Monday or so because everyone is at the Pro Days, I am expecting a move before the draft. We are in position to trade for a free agent WR, or we could simply shop in the bargain bin. There are some good names in it, mostly from LSU. Chark, Landry, Beckham Jarvis Landry was injured last year, but before that, he has been durable and consistent. In nine years, he has averaged 866 yards. He is who I would sign. He is coming off a "prove it" contract during which he was injured. I think we could give him a 2 year deal. I think we will extend Burns. If we can't get a WR signed, sign a CB, ILB, and swing T Random rant over.

Based on my ability to read the room, I sense that Bryce made a good impression today

Remember, the last owner to get involved in the decision to draft a QB was He picked RGIII.

Seriously. We have a month to go. This is fun for me, not pretending to know more than you all (except maybe Scot) because I really suck at talent evaluation. We have to have something to do.

We are of the same mindset--I see the issues on both sides. Yes, I agree with you. I am literally torn right now--probably have overthought it. DISCLAIMER: I am terrible at picking NFL QBs. I literally suck at it--so I am trying to be more open minded this year. Argue both sides--a big hypocrite--but it is a bit eye opening at times.

I am getting ready to do just that! Tua had an injury and some issues with coaches and ownership--but he is settling in as the starter. Mac Jones regressed, but is statistically no worse than OSU's pride and Joy--Fields (at the moment, anyway). And can Ohio State name drop like Bama: Stabler, Namath, Starr, and Todd? Who would they mention? Art Schlichter? Nah, Troy Smith is probably their best NFL QB. Don't know if it a curse, the systems, etc. and I know it is wrong to put this on Stroud, but it is a concern of mine. The SEC, in 2021, had 505 players (about 20%, or 1 in 5) playing in the NFL. That same year, the Big 10 had 381 players in the NFL--(under 15%, or 1 in 6 roughly) The difference of 124 players may seem small, but that would surpass 2 NFL rosters. Point? Competition levels in the SEC are higher, and that should factor into the decision. I argue both sides, (I mentioned that in a post a few days ago), so if you can defend my criticisms, I will dismiss them. As much as all this may suggest, it comes down to the situation and the support-and can the player process at the highest level.

No--I am on the fence--I always argue both sides--it helps me to obtain full enlightenment and makes my soul free of toxins. Through this process, I arrive at one side or another. It is too early to select a side--but yesterday, I was defending the Stroud pick. Today, I really tried to be objective and consider all that Young offers--and I am very impressed. I will settle down--(I play devil's advocate a lot when discussing case studies in my ethics and law classes---so this is a habit I cannot break).

Did you check to see if Haskins did the same thing? He completed 70% of his passes and had 50 TD passes in 2018. He averaged 3.57 TD passes per game that year--and he busted in the NFL. Justin Fields averaged almost 3 TD passes per game at Ohio State during his career there, and in the NFL, he is averaging about 1 TD pass per game (24) played, and he has 21 pics. The OSU QB curse scares me, so yes, after a strong last game, combine, pro day, etc. I think it is quite possible that Stroud's stock is inflated--unless he breaks the mold--and maybe we have the staff to do it,

Ohio State QB Stats over the past 8 seasons: 70% completions, 54 TDs, 9 Ints in two seasons as OSU starter: Dwayne Haskins. Was a huge bust (RIP) 68.4% completions, 63 TDs, 9 Ints, in two seasons as OSU Starter: Justin Fields. After 2 years in the NFL, has a 59.7% completion rate, 24 TDs, 21 Ints. 63.5% completions, 104 TDs, 30 Ints in four seasons as OSU Starter: JT Barrett. (Out of the NFL) Totals of all 3 OSU Stroud predecessors at Ohio State over past 8 years: Approx 67% completion rate, 211 TDs, 48 Ints. The stock is high right now.

It was dry humor.

We won't know until 2030 who was the best pick--no sense worrying about it. I was strongly pro-Stroud in the beginning, but now I am leaning Young simply because he checks all the boxes between the ears. That does not mean Stroud doesnt...we did not have dinner with him, we have not chatted x's and o's with him, and we are not football experts like the Panther staff. So I guess we should be rooting for them to do a good job instead of trying to choose for them.

Every man can be bought. Here goes nothing.

If I were a team without an OL, I would want Stroud--but if we can keep Young protected, he is the best choice. Nothing against Stroud--I just do not trust the Ohio St offense to give us a true indication of his processing, vision of the field, etc. The kept talking about how Young slows down the game--that is huge. Stroud's stock is very high right now--great game vs. UGA, good combine, pro day....do you buy inflated stock?

to me, the interactions today at Alabama seemed more like a family affair--based on what I saw in pictures and on the SEC Network. Did not see as much from Columbus. I watched David Tepper and he seemed into it more at Bama. Saban came over to chat with them--he is such a detailed perfectionist. Tepper seemed to be interested. Family--that is what it might come down to...

I'd like them to just cancel the Kentucky and Florida Trips--they need to go to a mountaintop chalet and work it out. If you think the Teppers are not influencing this selection, they are. To what end? Who knows. NFL Network said the last time an owner got involved in pro days it was Daniel Snyder and the pick was RGIII.