MHS831

You could be right. To me, that makes the most sense, based on Fitterer's comment. Willis is just too raw.

Some of us want a QB at #6, some of us want a T or a pass rusher. There are about 40 days between now and the draft, so the current picture will be a bit more clear by the time draft day rolls around. Yesterday, however, during the biggest flood of free agent signings in Panther history, Newton wrote an article about the "Post Watson" QB search. Toward the end of that article, he mentioned that Fitterer is going to Liberty's pro day Tuesday and the Pittsburgh's after that. Sure, due diligence, but then there was this: "The Panthers also believe this quarterback class is better than critics say."--David Newton “I think there's a good franchise player at six in this draft without identifying who they might be,’’ --Fitterer at the NFL combine. I gasped. Was he baiting a trade back offer? Does he think there is a 'franchise quarterback" in this draft? Did we see his cards, or was this a bluff? I was dumbfounded, so I gasped once more. I think it is important to note that at the combine, we were still targeting D. Watson, and at the combine, you only talk about the players there--and if they mentioned some other free agents by name, it could (theoretically) hurt their position with Watson. So for those of you who want Minshew, his name has come up in a few articles. We inquired about him last year. More QB ramblings: Expect suddenly homeless Baker Mayfield to try to get a deal done in Indy (Baker's request) or Seattle (my guess). The Browns will demand a second and maybe a fourth, according to SI, but they need him gone and the cap room that would create-- a trade of Mayfield would save them almost $19m. The Panthers have (reportedly) expressed no interest in Baker. Expect Crablegs Winston to stay in Nawlins. Forget Jimmy G--his shoulder surgery will take 4 months to heal. He may end up in Indy but at that salary, he will be hard to trade from the operating table. There is some noise that Matt Ryan is pissed off and may want out, but the Falcons can't move that salary--the contract will bind them together. So that leaves the Panthers with an attempt to trade for Minshew or draft a QB if they decide to make a move. They spent most of their available cap room on Friday, so I am of the mindset that it has come down to one of three options: Trade for and sign Minshew (would Philly take a fourth rounder? that is all we really have in 2022, but Philly does not need 2022 picks) Draft a QB (Willis is my guess, at #6, but they seem to like Pickett too) Trade back, stay with Darnold, and maybe draft your backup QB (Strong, Ridder, for example). Longshot? 39-year old Ryan Fitzpatrick on a 1-year deal. Heard it here first.

Exactly my thoughts. The idea is to make Elf a backup if you can, but (HOPEFULLY) they get the OL situated before preseason ends. They need to find their spots and get to know each other.

Has anyone considered the fact that Bozemen might play LG with Elflein at C?

I see these points--I prefaced my bit with "on paper..." so these issues are in the back of my mind as well. I really do not get the Robby Anderson hype. I am also hoping Marshall steps up. To me, it is hard to gauge the OL because they were SO BAD last year. I really think the biggest problems were our guards--I kept yelling "How hard is it to find 2 capable guards?"

Did I say Cross cannot play LT? I said I did not see his value at #6 overall. I think he'd be there at #12, so if we could add a second rounder and trade back (for Cross or Penning) I would do it. Makes perfect sense. If you think Cross is worth the #6, fine.

He missed 9 games last year and has had a bit of a history in that area. Personally, because so many Huddlers have asked for my opinion, I hope we drop back if one of the top 2 OTs are not on the board-- ( I am not sure Cross is worth the #6--I'd take him around #12)

On paper, we look to be a piece or two away from only needing a game manager at QB (not ideal, but work with me). Here is why: Hopefully, CMC is completely healed. Nobody who reaches this level is injury prone-I had a coach in college tell me that injuries occur because you have to break your training /conditioning routine. He said that you tend to mentally favor one part of the body and that screws up technique. Technique prevents injuries. He said that to me when I was wearing a sling at the conclusion of Spring practice--headed for reconstructive shoulder surgery.... Not enough is being said about Terrace Marshall. As the #3 WR, he was not getting enough looks. I expect massive improvement in year 2. With more time to throw the ball, the big WR will get more looks. Same for Brady Christensen. He should be much better in year 2 now that he has seen the OL from nearly every position. I expect Hubbard in year two to have some improvement and the new addition D'Onte Foreman will give us power up the gut. Missing in 2021 with only Hubbard and other smaller backs, this should be interesting. Expect Tremble and Thomas to play a bigger role in the offense. Without a great run game, bad Oline, and an inability to recognize the TE as a weapon, the Panthers were very one dimensional in the passing game--throw it to one guy all the time. Of course the biggest upgrades--Bozeman and Corbett--have given us a substantial upgrade to 40% of our OL. I expect another addition soon. All we need is an OT/OG and a QB.

Verge (Natalie) has connections in the NFL and if you knew her, you'd know that a lot of what she hears comes true--and like any rumors or hearsay, some never materializes. Those of us who have known her for a while understand that, and we take what she contributes with the understanding that this is not a news source--it is a discussion board. She makes the discussions more lively and informative, often giving us a peek into what the insider grapevine is whispering. That is all this is.

Are we talking 2017 Cam or 2022 Cam? There is a big difference

Fitterer scared me last year. His first signing was Sullivan, a tweener TE WR from Seattle, then he signed Erv and Elf--on day 1 of the tampering period--to multi-year contracts--when both had underperformed at other places. This guy, however, was solid at both G for 2 years and C last year--so he should not be hard to judge. There is film of him blocking for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. But either way, he will earn the next contract, and it will be more expensive. I see your point, however. And in my view, Erving and Elflein should have been given 1-year deals, not Bozeman, but we shall see.

Favre was not attending camp either--intentionally--and getting signed just before the first game. Good work if you can get it--but who knows what kind of shape he was in late in his career.

at this point, both the truth or fantasy version of this are bs.

Did not read the entire thread, but does the injury history not bother anyone? I think he missed about half the games in 2021.

THIS^ I am kinda glad--Mathieu is good in coverage, but not a strong tackler. (over 30). Would take a bigger contract than he is worth.

Here is what we know--we are going to a "run first" offense. A QB that can run is a plus. I can see where a disciplined, dual threat rookie might be effective, but it is a huge gamble. I look at Fields in Chicago--same dynamic, but the Bears did not have the pieces in place. We just might. I wish I knew more about it, but this could be the best situation to start a young, inexperienced, dual threat QB.

Mariucci (sp?) does a good job too.

If we get Armstead, I am getting the OL at the Line of scrimmage on a lower back tattoo. Who's with me?

high character too

See how good the new coach is. But I get it. It seems that BC may be the LG--if we are going after LTs.

I get the feeling that we are going to build a veteran circle around Willis. Bozeman was with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore---maybe there is some connection there. But if we go "no rookies" on offense except the QB, does that not improve his chance for success?

She is right as much or more than the experts. I merge for Verge. (What did I just type?--sticking with it)

Here is what I think about today: 1. Signed an all pro punter 2. Signed a DT (3, 5 tech) who can pressure the passer 3. Extended a star WR 4. Signed an elite Center to play beside the elite G we signed earlier in the week To me, that is the best day for a Panther GM I have seen since the franchise opened. If you were to equate this free agency to the draft, the Panthers have signed a situational Running back, a starting Safety, a 2-down LB, a starting RG, a starting C, a rotational DT, an established punter, and extended a #1 WR. That is very strong.

I think they will go with BC at LT and might give Brown, Elflein, and Jordan a shot at LG....if we do not take a QB, we will trade back. To your point, there was a tweet that said the Panthers are not interested in Baker Mayfield (because the head coach and QB can't both have immaturity issues). Seriously, it could mean that they are not interested in the free agency market. I still see us dealing for Minshew--(what I wanted them to do last year, when he was cheaper).

With the Darninator under center, Hekker may never see the field except to hold for field goals and extra points. Dominate the foe. Grrrrr.