MHS831

3 weeks til we go on the clock. As you all know, during these days of speculation and roster analysis, I tend to throw stuff out there--the things you don't talk about at parties, but you need me on that wall. Where was I?....Oh, someone said something that I think could warrant discussion, especially amongst all you Bryce haters. Point: Canales said he was going to build an offense to play to Young's strengths. He is true to his word--did it before.' Point: The Panthers interviewed/met with Bo Nix at the Combine. Point: Canales never said there would be no "Plan B," and he never said that they were "all in" on Bryce. Point: The Broncos are interested. Point: The QB crop does not look great for 2025. NFL Network Description of Nix (6'2", 215): Rare five-year starting quarterback whose play has matured in front of our eyes. Nix displays the accuracy, arm talent and athleticism consistent with today’s brand of pro quarterback. He can be punctual in getting the ball out at the top of his drop or he can work through progressions and beat defenses with second-reaction plays. He throws with good velocity and puts the ball on the money when throwing on the move. Nix has shown great improvement with his pocket poise. He’s capable of moving the sticks as a scrambler or as part of the running game. Some of his gaudy production has been driven by the Oregon offense’s design, but his talent clearly stands out. I’ve harbored bias from watching the overwhelmed version of Nix during his Auburn days, but as the saying goes, “tape don’t lie.” Nix appears more than ready to attack the league with an NFL-caliber skill set. Point: The NFL Network claims that Nix has the skills to be a "plus starter" in this league. Point: There are successful QBs who have benefited from lots of starting experience in college. One played in Super Bowl. Point: The NFL Network site compared Nix to Tony Romo. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/bo-nix/32004e49-5811-8212-6abe-fc1a8b4f4942 QUESTION: Would you pull the trigger at 33 and take a WR at 39? I need the truth. We will call drafting Nix a "code red." Would you order the code red?

It is an acronym and very difficult to pronounce. *Just kidding. I hated to put it because I only watch ESPN when the NFL Network is not interesting--and I have some strong reservations about the NFL Network. Still, they do have so called "experts" and this is based on what they were saying, but not the essence of the point.

The end to my post: " (Hypothetically speaking here--could be less, and probably will be). " So I agree--it never works out like that, which is why I was very clear to state the source of my lists and provide this disclaimer. I would state, however, that a team with WR as the #1 need will likely grab a WR if a solid WR is available. If a lesser need is a better value, you have to weigh the overall impact. I think I make it clear that the list was based on teams that have WR listed at their #1 need and provide the site, then mention the number of teams that have WR listed as the #2 need. We have 2 LBs who are going to be 30 (Shaq and Jewell). We have a GM who gets the importance of an ILB--based on the information you provide, LB could be as big a need as C, WR, and CB-- I am not sold that they spent $160m on Guards and will go into the season with Corbett and Mays at C. I am like you--I take a C if one is there. Long term, great pick. Short term? Maybe a great immediate pick. To your bigger point: I agree--BPA. We have so many needs.

I am going out on a limb here....First round teams that are likely to select a WR: Arizona Baltimore Buffalo Cleveland Kansas City LA Chargers N Y Giants WR is believed to be their #1 need. WR is also the Panthers' #1 Need--so if we take a WR at #33, it is possible that we are spending our first and most valuable draft pick on the ninth best WR. Yikes. That means WR is the #1 need for 8 teams, according to Mock Draft Database. Another 9 teams have WR listed as their second need, so if we don't take the ninth best WR (hypothetically) at 33 or 36, we could be taking the 18th best WR at pick #65. That means that during the first 64 picks, 17 Wide Receivers will be chosen or considered carefully. (Hypothetically speaking here--could be less, and probably will be).

That is something I did not know--and I can say that the Panthers are targeting Peyton Wilson with confidence---He processes the plays more quickly. If Bo Nix drops to 39, do you take him? It would screw us up on paper, but not having all eggs in one basket at QB might be smarter than having depth at CB or LB. Screw hurting anyone's feelings--he would be a good value and give you a backup (on way or another). He is about 18 months older than Bryce, fwiw. I see Denver making a play for Nix, but maybe moving up in round 2--but they do not have a second rounder, so it could get interesting. I figured Penix (with his injury history) would fall as well, and I think the Raiders are going to go after him.

In my view, there are not many ILBs in this draft. We know that we need an impact player at WR---after that, I am not sure what our biggest need is--TE? C? LB? CB? After adding 3 Edge players in free agency, I do not see us adding another. Not really sure about DL. Does the new kickoff rule impact anything? This is very difficult

I am with you on this. If we trade back to about 45-50, sounds more appealing, of course, but I think Morgan is salivating over this guy--just a hunch (Maybe I am getting Luke and Dan confused, but either way...)

I hear ya, but injury history has to factor into the "best player" equation. In other words, if he and Edge Cooper (Tex AM) were equal in every way, I would go with Edge--he would be the "best" player. I can say that after Wilson, the quality of play drops off quite a bit--if all players are healthy. I think we'd take Edge and Colson from Michigan if we had too--Gray (UNC) is more of a WLB--and he is probably on the table too.

First off, good thread topic. He has had 2 ACL injuries and I think he has had something with his shoulder, based on the brace he wears. having said that, I know of an NFL LB that once had 3 ACL injuries and I wanted to cut him. I think his name was Davis. Morgan has made comments about him and I expect him to be there at 39. I would say there is a good chance that he is a Panther. Dan wants an intelligent Alpha in the middle and the Panthers have a long tradition of ILBs. Luke and Dan were probably our best and they were QBs on defense. Beason was too little, Mills was too little--both turned out to be studs. Jewell and thompson are nearly 30. We don't have a lot behind them. I expect the pick to be Wilson if he is there at 39. I have spoken.

I see MoConkey as a guy who will give you 10 seasons as a solid WR and he is the most least likely to bust. I see many of the others on more of the "Boom or Bust" spectrum. For this reason, give me McConkey.

First off, thanks for doing this poll. I appreciate people who are willing to stimulate conversations as I appreciate those who can respond to varying opinions without sarcasm and unsupported proclamations. I want to break down this post because you bring forward an interesting list: First, I agree that it is not a given that we take a WR at 33. It is perhaps our biggest need, but that does not mean that it should be our first pick. For example, I really like Cooper DeJean-the sure tackling, versatile DB from Iowa. He could backup CB and S, perhaps moving to the nickel or dime back role....With Horn's injury history and our lack of depth at CB, I see him being on the field a lot--I am not sure he will be there... EDGE: We have already added 3 Edge players (Wonnum, Chaisson, and Clowney) to go with Barno, Leota, and Johnson. I am not sure that we go Edge at 33 based on what I expect to be there. I am not sure that they see that as a need. DB: CB is definitely a need, and if a solid CB is on the board at 33, he should be considered. DL: I am not sure what they want to upgrade, but the DT spot could use some depth, as could the DE position. Since both are depth, I doubt that we take one at 33. OL: We have a starting five, but I am still not sure if they like the Center situation or they are not showing their cards. To me, there are 2 centers who could help us and if they fall, they would be worthy of the pick at 33: Barton (Duke) and Powers-Johnson (Oregon). I do not think Frazier (WVU) is a good fit for our system and I thing Georgia's Van Pran is a third rounder. We have solid depth at T and G, but we could add a tackle later. LB: You did not mention LB, but we have Jewell and Thompson, both about 30, as the starters at the ILB positions. Morgan knows how important it is to have a DAWG at ILB. I think we will draft an ILB with the pick 33 or 39--but we could probably get one if we have a 5-10 spot trade back. I think Morgan likes NC State's Payton Wilson or Edge Cooper in round 2, and I think we go with one of them. If not, in the third, we will be forced to take Michigan's Colson or Clemson's Trotter, but both are lesser players than Wilson or Cooper. If we had a chance to get a top CB at #33 and a top ILB at #39, it is POSSIBLE that the Panthers don't take a WR until 65--the draft is rather deep.

Can't figure out where these billionaires got the idea that the common worker should pay their taxes and expenses.

I agree. Personally, I think the first pick will go towards a WR that falls and I think the second pick goes towards a.....ILB. I think they want Edgerin Cooper or Payton Wilson--whose injury history scares me. I think Dan knows that this franchise has been successful when a stud MLB was in place. Mills, Beason, Morgan, Luke--Morgan knows the value of a ILB and we have little depth there. Next year, Shaq is likely gone.

They are also speculating that New England has so many needs, they will trade back for more picks with #3 overall--likely the Maye pick. I just don't see how any team picking third in this draft walks away without a top QB.

Dang this is a tough crowd. "You know, if you had invested that $250 in Apple in 1989, you'd own the Panthers right now." Anybody know the odds against Houston last year?

This is what we discuss this time of year, folks. And until we know who is on the board, I do not know how anyone can say with certainty, "I am not moving down..." You look at the board and make decisions accordingly, so you really should consider possible offers.

I agree, and if the trade is for a QB, and if NYG think LV is going after the same day 2 QB, that could happen.

It was ridiculous--I agree--but I was not quoting them--I was speculating because the teams that need a QB (we believe) will not all get one--they have Denver taking Nix at #12. I say, "not likely, especially if they don't have a second rounder..." etc. It is a shame you quite reading because it explains what teams might offer us on day 2----and I predict it will be a team looking to move up for a QB.

You have to consider that a player will fall to us at 33 that they thought would be gone--then you have to think, "Is giving up on a first-round talent worth swapping a fourth for a third?"

Hello cyber chums, The Background: A lot of the mockers are going with scenarios that include QBs Nix and maybe even Penix being taken in the first round. Today of an ESPN mock show they showed Denver grabbing Nix at #12. That would be a huge reach, and Payton has never taken a QB in the first round--(if that means anything). Since the Raiders are unlikely to draft Nix at #13, there are really no teams picking after the Raiders who need a QB. Furthermore, some have been predicting that New England will trade back from the #3 position because they have so many needs. In a QB rich draft and a poor QB draft in 2025, that would be stupid. So I think they take Maye. The Vikings have 2 first round picks and I expect them to trade up with the Cards. They have the currency to make a move. (Vikings picks 11 and 23 total about 2000 points; the Cards #4 pick is worth 1800). The Giants could also move up, but they would have to use Jones in the trade, meaning that only New England would be interested; I just do not see it happening. Denver does not have a second round pick, so they are unable to move up using 2024 draft picks. I think the Giants could decide to hold on to Jones for a while and maybe take a QB later in the draft. It is likely that the top 4 QBs are gone in the top 5 picks, with the Raiders, Broncos, and Giants still in the market. The two QBs who they might have interest in, Nix and Pinix, have early second round grades. Of course, they could all trade back, but since no team after pick 13 needs a QB, it makes the end of the first round or the beginning of the second round the most obvious landing places. I think that Denver is going to go after Nix fairly hard, and I can see them trading back to around 28 or so to get him. When they turn off the lights after round one, they pick up the phones. It is my guess that the Raiders and possibly the Giants will want to move up for Penix. The Raiders have picks 44 (460 points) and 77 (205 points, 665 combined). The #33 pick is worth 580 points. If the Panthers threw in pick 101 (96 points), it would be a good trade for a QB (665 for 676). the Raiders could throw in their late 6th rounder (8.2 points) to even it out. It is my opinion that Denver will trade back in the first round and take Nix. The Raiders will trade up to attempt to grab Penix--and the Giants could compete with them, forcing both to deal with the Panthers. The Raider trade: Vegas: Pick 44, 77, and 208. (2nd, 3rd, and 6th) Carolina: Pick 33, 101. (2nd and 4th) If the Giants decide to trade: NY Giants: Picks 47, 70 (670 points--2nd, 3rd) Carolina: Picks 33, 101 (676 points-2nd, 4th) How would it change the draft for the Panthers? Panthers picks (rounds 1-3): 39, 44, 65 (if trade with Raiders) No fourth rounder. 39, 47, 70 (If traded with NYG) No fourth rounder. Basically, is it worth the early third round pick for the early fourth round pick to drop 11 to 14 spots in Round 2? FWIW, I see a pretty substantial drop off at our positions of need in the middle of the third round with most of the mocks I have seen. If we can get 3 picks in that top 75 picks or so, I am in favor of the trade. What are your impressions?

I dunno. I look for growth and leadership when it gets tough, and I did not see much of either. When a man wearing a C on his jersey decides to play soft to save himself from injury, you have to wonder how it impacted the rest of the team. I actually saw degression on the OL, and the constant position and personnel changes meant to me that they had no plan. Campen should have known who was ready and who was not, instead, we relied on suckage seen on game film. It was terrible.

me too. I think we will go TE some how some way I wonder how many of those edges were before Clowney signed. I like to look for patterns--some of these names are to show interest to players who might go undrafted. Here is what I noticed-- NO true Centers. There are no signs that we might take a Center in the draft. On this list, Haynes is listed as a C/G but he did not play C at UConn. RG. The Morgan influence suggests that they might take an ILB "dawg" early. Wilson and Cooper are mid second rounders at least--if not earlier. They are really doing homework on the WRs. We have met with 8 of them. Could we take 2? To me, it is scary that they have checked out Wiggins (CB Clemson). 175 lbs and not good in run support---we need our CBs to come up and contain. He reminds me of Henderson. Someone talk me out of it. I do not understand the lack of attention to the CB position. Neither RIchardson nor Wiggins are good in run support, and Richardson is simply not a good CB considering his athleticism. He is a fifth or sixth rounder imo. Based on these lists, I would say WR and ILB in the second round. TE maybe in the third.

I feel the same about Keon Coleman. Scared of him.

Do they have 2 weeks in which to get in one week of practice? Just speculation.