MHS831

I keep finding myself in the situation to take Cedric Gray.

I think a top WR projected for round 1 will fall. Mitchell comes to mind. But if you think about it, we have a player this season who has averaged about 900+ yards per season for the past 4 years and he is going to be 28. Thielen had 1000 yards last year. Mingo should improve; he will be 23 tomorrow. He had 43 catches for 418 yards and usually there is growth from year 1 to year 2. So frankly, we need a guy who can play the slot because we all pretty much KNOW that Thielen is gone. It is possible that Dionte Johnson leaves too after this season. So if the Panthers take a slot, I get it. I think Pearsall can be more than that--it is a stereotype. However, if he is the slot in 2025 and can get some reps in 2024, that is pretty good if you can hold onto Johnson. Johnson had only 717 yards last season compared to Pickens' 1140, but Johnson played in 4 fewer games. He was on a 1000-yard path. So my point? With Johnson here and Mingo developing, isn't an "underneath" WR more pressing considering Theilen's age and this is probably his last year? Isn't underneath going to be more important for Bryce? I am asking--not sure. Now, does Johnson have all the traits you look for in an X? Not really, but neither did Steve Smith. If we were to draft Legette, could he be groomed to be the X in a season, moving Johnson to the Z? That would make Mingo rotational and still necessitate a slot WR. So I see slot as the one need that is more certain. So if we go after a guy most feel is a slot--Ladd, Corley, Washington, Pearsall, etc. I would get it. However, their would be a good one at pick 65 (Corley, Washington, Polk, maybe even Roman Wilson). People need to remember that bringing in a player for 4 visits does not mean that you are in love with him; it probably means they are undecided.

Prolly not, but in fairness, most TEs are probably not a good idea before round 3. Good exchange.

I hope their notes were reviewed and approved by Tepper. Can not afford any draft day mistakes!!

I agree. I keep having this feeling they take Shipley from Clemson, but I want the RB from Kentucky.

At Texas. Sanders played with his hand in the dirt on the LOS about 75% of the time, which is why I feel that he is undervalued a bit. LaPorta, I think he was a second rounder, had 657 yards during the 2022 season. Sanders, with 3 WRs on his team who will probably be drafted in the 2024 draft (two in rounds 1/2), and the best RB in college football, had 607 yards. That is close.

The think about Chubba and Sanders--they have brick hands--Chubba was better last year, but I would not consider him a dual action threat. I am not that happy with his pass blocking either, and in the NFL, that is a very underrated skill for a RB. Sanders was a terrible signing.

Interesting, but his price could be impacted by what the Panthers do at CB during the draft. I still say they need 2. If you are going to pay a free agent, however, sign former Dolphin Center Connor Williams. He is 26, coming off surgery which could make him unavailable for summer camp and maybe a few weeks into the season, but he would be cheaper considering that surgery. Perfect for zone schemes, and I think that is where we are headed. We are building, not providing retirement plans for over the hill Rock Hillians.

Take a look at the RB from KY ray Davis. Small and bowling ball ish and can catch. could be there in 4th. Great story--was homeless, etc. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ray-davis/32004441-5663-2804-a8ce-2174ee79562e

Hello pals and close impersonal friends, As we progress towards the draft, it seems to me that this off-season and the draft will be dedicated to providing Bryce with all the weapons he needs to be successful. We all jumped to OL and WR, and rightly so. However, do we have that game-changing RB and a TE threat that are good enough to qualify as "weapons?" If we are truly going to give Bryce the weaponry he needs, can we say that we have done that with our current roster in the area of TE and RB? When I mock, I am focused on CB, WR, LB--and many mocks I do not have a RB or TE. TE: Last year, Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, and Luke Musgrave were successful in year 1. A few others, such as Mayer, Washington, and Schoonmaker disappointed as rookies, but for the most part, first year TEs were successful. In my view, there is one sure thing at TE in this draft and there is another who should be on the level of Kincaid and LaPorta--TE Sanders from Texas. If we want to upgrade at TE, we need him, in my view. Or we should probably start Tremble and hope that his improvement continues. Q: Is there a TE in this draft that will make us better? Should we continue to bring along Tremble? RB: Chubba Hubbard had 900 yards last season, but he averaged a meager 3.8 yards. Of course, with the new OL, that should improve. Sanders shows us what running behind an outstanding OL can do for your career. He averaged 3.3 yards per carry and fumbled about once every 65 carries (2 fumbles, 129 carries). However, before coming to Carolina, Sanders averaged 4.8 yards per carry. His numbers should improve with the new OL. Do we need a feature RB? Do we need a bowling ball or a Swiss Army knife? Can we assume that our RB production will improve with our $150m guards? OVERARCHING QUESTION: Is it reasonable to assume that the best "bang for the buck" (players likely to see extensive, meaningful playing time as starters or key rotational players) is to focus on TE, RB, and one more WR? UNDERARCHING RHETORICAL QUESTION: Has MHS lost his mind?

If we add a stud RB, TE, and WR to go with the free agent moves at G and WR, Bryce will have no excuses.

I think the Panthers might target those players--not sure they will get all 3...It was not a mock, but a guess--I would not be surprised to see the Panthers draft KY RB Ray Davis, or Jonas Elliss (OLB) Utah. All hunches.

Thank you. I hate to do this because it is totally unfair to Coleman, but the Benjamin comparisons in my head scare me. About Legette- these weaknesses listed on the NFL.com site scare me to death because everyone one of them are things you have to do as a WR in the NFL: Can win the catch phase, but the release and route phases lack polish. (will never be an X if he can't release-will struggle to get open if he can't run routes) Tennessee’s tight press-man coverage was all over him for much of the game. (This makes sense considering the other issues--translation--runs a 4.39 40 but plays like he runs a 4.93 40) Rushes through route design rather than selling it to the cornerbacks. (does not understand timing?) Below-average quickness getting in and out of his breaks. getting out of breaks creates separation. Benjamin and Funchess? Legette has straight line speed but not quickness--that is HUGE) Hits cruise control and waits for jump balls rather than keeping foot on the gas. (not sure what he is trying to say, but could he mean that he is not a dawg?) I am a Gamecock fan, but I fear he is a "one hit wonder" and a "workout warrior" rolled into one big "ball of bust" (made that last one up myself)

Find a starter in round 2 At every need position-- CB? No--we need depth that is ready to play. Maybe Yes to a nickel. ILB? No, we have 2 starters and one (Thompson) is probably in his last year WR? No, we have Theilen in the slot and a veteran #1 that should be a #2--but both are probably or possibly in their last years at Carolina. OC? Until Corbett screws the pooch, no. Edge? With the Gamecock duo (Wonnum and Clowney), not immediately RB? We are probably looking for more of a situational RB who can play short yardage. TE? Yes. We can find a starting TE in the draft if we take Sanders. However, if we draft WR, TE, Edge, C, ILB, and CB, there is a chance all COULD BE starting by 2025.

Have not seen this one--no trades--my first effort:

Since we have a #1 WR, a slot WR, and a developing Z WR (--Mingo--I am not down on him like others are--he progressed, IMO), we could use a YAC guy and maybe a slot WR to groom behind Thielen. Having said that, those guys are pretty plentiful later--(like Washington, McCaffery, Corley). I honestly think the place where we could make the biggest upgrade is a pass-catching TE. I would not be surprised to see Sanders taken at 39. At 33, if an X WR falls, yes, but if not, maybe C or LB. Having said that, we seem to have not shown any interest in C this offseason-there is a stud free agent available and there are 3 in the draft who would be long-term answers at C. Even if Corbett can play C, he is in the last year of his contract. They must know something we do not. Respecting this mock, CB (with Horn's injury history) is a much bigger need than most of us realize, so I am OK with Tampa. I also think we will pick up a waived CB.

It bothers me that we have no LBs on this list---we have NO Depth there. IMO, we take a RB here when would should be drafting a LB. But with so many needs, it is difficult to cover all bases.

Good job and I see the logic. My comments (just to share where my brain is, not to criticize) are in bold above. Thank you.

Thanks to the patriots, I have boycotted video cameras and football inflating devices. Now I guess the full line of Kraft food products.

Since this thread is pretty misleading, I thought it was going to be about players you think the Panthers will select....to keep this alive, I will start. 1. Ladd McConkey WR 2. Payton Wilson LB 3. Ja'Tavion Sanders TE I think one or two of these will be Panthers--I see the Panthers (Morgan with Keuchly in his ear) loving Wilson.

Hope he gets to sing it if he comes here.

UPDATED----Now I feel very confident that Minnesota will use both firsts to move up to #4. That changes a lot. Here is the revised version-- 1. Chicago Bears Team needs: QB, IOL, WR, EDGE, DT, S, IOL Commentary: Obviously the pick will now be a QB, and it is fairly certain that it will be Caleb Williams. Pick: Caleb Williams QB, USC 2. Washington Commanders Team needs: QB, IOL, EDGE, CB, LB, OT, WR Commentary: The pick will be QB, and there is some debate about the style of QB the Commanders will draft. After signing a backup, it may have been a tell: Pick: Jayden Daniels QB, LSU 3. New England Patriots Team needs: QB, OT, WR, TE, LB, DL, OT Commentary: The Patriots are probably going to be happy with QB#3 falling into their laps. Pick: Drake Maye, QB, UNC 4. Minnesota Vikings (Trade) Commentary: I predict a possible trade with the Vikings for the Vikings 2 first-rounders in 2024 (11, 23) NOTE: The Vikings do not have another pick until round 4, so they could work out some future picks to get back into day 2….. Pick: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan 5. Los Angeles Chargers Team needs: CB, DL, RB, LB, TE, OT, IOL, WR Commentary: If the Giants make the move they almost have to make, the Chargers probably run to the podium with their pick–the best WR to come out in quite some time. If the Cards sit tight and take Harrison, this pick becomes a bidding war between the Giants and Minnesota–so the Giants might get off cheaper dealing with #4 than #5. Pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State. 6. New York Giants Team needs: IOL, WR, EDGE, DL, RB, CB Commentary: The Giants just signed Jones to a long term deal, like it or not, so they can take a developmental QB in round 2 if that is what they want to do. While moving up for McCarthy was my original thought, the Vikings are hungrier and they will spend both firsts to move up to #4 for a QB with a questionable first round grade. To me, that is what they have to do, while the Giants have options. Pick: Malik Nabors, WR, LSU 7. Tennessee Titans Team needs: OT, IOL, WR, CB, EDGE, TE, DL, RB Commentary: The Titans’ biggest need is probably OT, and there are 8 teams who have a similar interest. While it is possible that a team with a need at T or WR makes offers to trade up, I take the best OT if I am the GM. Pick: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame. 8. Atlanta Falcons Team needs: EDGE, IOL, WR, CB, LB, DL Commentary: The Falcons can focus on the defense and their biggest need is for an Edge. Pick: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama 9. Chicago Bears Team needs: IOL, WR, EDGE, DL, S, IOL Commentary: With the new QB, the Bears could go two ways here. They could decide that Moore is the #1 and they can wait to get a WR in round 2, but their second biggest need, edge, was addressed with Montez Sweat last year. They will give Caleb another weapon. Pick: Rome Odunze, WR Washington 10. New York Jets Team needs: OT, IOL, OT, DL, QB, RB, WR Commentary: There is a reason you do not mock draft before free agency–the Jets signed 2 veteran OTs (Smith, Moses) and will probably start them. With the top 3 WRs off the board, the Jets upgrade tremendously with an offensive weapon just as dangerous. Pick: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia. 11. Arizona Cardinals (TRADE FROM VIKINGS) Team needs: CB, DT, EDGE, LB, OG, WR, OT. Commentary: Minnesota has the #11 and #23 pick in the draft, and #11 will go to McCarthy if he lasts this long; Penix would be a huge reach here and at #23. Denver and Vegas are without starting QBs, unless Minshew is the starter. Does that force the Vikings to take Penix maybe a round too soon? While many mockers are taking an edge here, I do not, and they will hope the #23 pick can be for a QB. The Pick: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State 12. Denver Broncos Team needs: QB, DL, IOL, S, CB, LB, EDGE Commentary: Surtain gets a CB on the other side. Pick; Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama 13. Las Vegas Raiders Team needs: QB, IOL, DL, CB, OT, LB, RB. Minshew is not the long term answer, but unless Vegas rolls the dice and goes after Lefty Penix, I don’t see QB right now. The choice is between OT and CB, and OT is deep in the first round. Decent CB talent can be found later. The Pick: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State 14. New Orleans Saints Team needs: IOL, EDGE, DL, WR, LB, CB, RB, TE, Best value here: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State 15. Indianapolis Colts Team needs: WR, DT, EDGE, IOL, CB, QB, RB Commentary: This pick will not be difficult–the best player on their board fills their biggest need. Colts run to turn the card in, if they still do that. Pick: Brian Thomas Jr. WR, LSU 16. Seattle Seahawks Team needs: DL, LB, S, IOL, QB, TE, EDGE. Commentary: The Seahawks primary need is two guards, and there does not seem to be much help in free agency. Pick: Troy Fautanu, G, Washington 17. Jacksonville Jaguars Team needs: EDGE, WR, IOL, DL, CB, IOL, S Commentary: Gotta get an edge to become scary on D. Pick: Laiatu Latu, Edge UCLA 18. Cincinnati Bengals Team needs: OT, DL, IOL, EDGE, TE, CB, WR With the addition of a rather substantial RB in the conference, the Bengals have to keep Burrow healthy. Pick: J. C. Latham, OT, Alabama 19. Los Angeles Rams Team needs: OT, IOL, CB, S, LB, WR, EDGE Commentary: I wanted to go with Murphy of Texas to replace Donald, so I did. Pick: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas 20. Pittsburgh Steelers Team needs: OT, CB, IOL, LB, S, DL Commentary: Mason Cole C was a cap casualty and his replacement was not addressed. While a T is possible here, with 2 new QBs, a Center is a must. Pick: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia 21. Miami Dolphins Team needs: IOL, EDGE, CB, IOL, TE, DL, LB Commentary: One of the best CBs falls to the fish and they bite. Pick: Quinion Mitchell, CB Toledo 22. Philadelphia Eagles Team needs: EDGE, RB, CB, IOL, S, TE, WR Commentary: The Eagles would probably prefer edge here, but there are a few solid CBs on the board that should fit nicely. This CB can come up and stuff the run and play in the box if needed. Pick: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson. 23. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans and Vikings) Team needs: CB, DT, EDGE, LB, OG, WR, OT Commentary: Corner is a huge need, and this kid from Iowa is special, can play any DB position. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa 24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5) Team needs: OT, IOL, RB, CB, LB, DT, S Commentary: Jerry Jones knows that he was not as successful in Dallas until he started drafting OL early. This T can play either side, and since the OL is in flux a bit, it should be a sound pick. Pick: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon 25. Green Bay Packers (9-8) Team needs: IOL, S, RB, EDGE, LB, DL, OT Commentary: While it may appear that he is a reach because he has shorter than desired arms, Jordan Love needs a LT now. Between the tall Tyler Guyton and Jordan Morgan, The Packers could take either one and fill that need. Morgan has more LT experience. Pick: Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona. 26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers team needs: IOL, EDGE, LB, CB, S, WR Commentary: C Ryan Jensen is gone, and the Bucs need to address that position in the draft. Pick: Graham Barton, C, Duke 27. Arizona Cardinals Team needs: CB, DT, EDGE, LB, OG, WR, OT Commentary: After trading back from #4 to #11 and #23, the Cardinals use the pick they got from Houston to fill another primary need with a good value. Pick: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois 28. Buffalo Bills Team needs: , WR, CB, S, LB, DL Commentary: Bills will come away from this draft with a long-term replacement for Gabe Davis and a cornerback who can aid in replacing Tre'Davious White. The find good value here. The Pick: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas 29. Detroit Lions Team needs: IOL, CB, EDGE, DL, WR, S, LB Commentary: The Lions were very good last season, but their secondary ranked 29th in net yards per pass attempt. CB is the priority, and if a good one is there at the end of round 1, they will bite. Pick: Kool Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama. 30. Baltimore Ravens Team needs: RB, IOL, DL, CB, EDGE, OT, WR. Commentary: With the Odell Beckham side show gone, the Ravens would add a WR to pair with Zay Flowers. Pick: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon 31. San Francisco 49ers Team needs: OT, IOL, EDGE, DL, IOL, S, CB Commentary: The NFC champs has several needs on the OL. Fortunately for them, a T that can play both sides of the OL falls here. Pick: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma 32. Kansas City Chiefs Team needs: OT, WR, DL, LB, S, CB, RB Commentary: This has to be Wide Receiver. Just has to be. Pick: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia 33 Trade possibilities: Denver, the Raiders, and maybe the Giants are likely going to make offers in order to move up for Penix or Nix–but I think Penix is going to be the target. Raiders: 44, 77 (roughly) to move up. Broncos: 76, 2025 second-round pick Giants: 47, 2025 second-round pick Eagles need an edge, and Chop Robinson will be there at 33. They have 2 second-rounders later in round 2. They have very few picks. I could see the following: Eagles 50, 53 to Panthers for 33, 101, 141

If we had Connor Williams, we would have the best OL in the NFL, (I think Ekwonu will be better this season for numerous reasons).

In my mind, you have to look at the draft's talent levels and drop offs. If you can move back a bit and stay on a plane, then I say do it. But if there is a drop off, don't do it. However, in this draft when I have mocked, I screw up when I trade back. I would like to say that if you look past the 2024 draft, we have no leverage next year should we need to move up even a little bit to get a QB--and the QB market seems weak right now. If we could recoup that second rounder this year, it gives us a lot of options next year should Bryce not evolve. However, there are other ways of getting draft picks, but to get a second rounder outside the draft, you need to give up a really good player...so to your point, if it puts us in a better position next year, I see the logic.