MHS831

In the back of my mind I keep wondering if they are trying (not that I have heard anything) to sign Connor Williams. I mean, Hunt was his teammate--maybe there is a connection. Last I heard, Williams was a free agent. https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/connor-williams/46216

I found that to be very interesting. I know that Mays has some degree of experience/practice there--if BC can play every position on the OL, which he obviously can, he could save us a roster spot as a reserve. I think it would be great to carry 9 and keep one or two on the PS.

No disrespect intended, but you act as if we are supposed to value your opinion when it is all emotion and no fact. The roster (I assume you mean offense) is "still trash" because someone who just signed up for the Huddle has declared it to be so? Buhahaha. ha. Let me show you how FACTS work, and why emotional, unsupported opinions don't carry much weight: TE: Upgraded through the draft. Sanders is a weapon that should improve the passing game and give Bryce an outlet he did not have last year. RB: We just drafted the best RB in college football, one who can protect the passer, run the ball, and catch the ball like nobody else on the roster. His knee will be cleared July 1. OL: We just signed two of the best guards in football. that is what Payton did to protect Brees. Ekwonu has the skill and talent, he was simply missing technique. We got him a better OL coach. Center? Bozeman was ineffective last year. Corbett is an established veteran OLman. It seems we are much better up front. WR: We added a guy who gets open and has averaged about 900 yards per game as a #2 in Pittsburgh with an inferior QB there. Thielen was a 1000 yard WR last season. We have not had a #2 like XL, with his YAC capabilities and ability to catch contested passes. In other words, the X is much better; the Z will be replaced with a stud WR, and the veteran slot will probably not be the #1 WR in 2024--he should be the #2 or even #3 most effective WR. The 2023 Z WR, who had 418 yards and was showing signs of improving, will not be a starter in 2024. As much as the OL has improved, we improved the weapons. QB: All of these additions increase levels of protection for the QB that he did not have last year and they give him more powerful weapons that he did not have last year. Young will not be a rookie getting hammered trying to throw to people who are not separating. This should make him improved. How much? remains to be seen. Now keep in mind that we did this by not reworking contracts and kicking the can down the road. We did not have a first rounder in the draft. We added a second rounder to next year's draft. We also addressed needs on defense as well, adding established DL, OLBs, ILBs, and DBs. We get 2 first round pick starters who were injured most of the season back on that defense. Yes, we lost Burns, Luvu, and a few others, but while being good players, they were either asking for too much money or they were not great fits for the system. So the D should be better as well. That is not trash.

Here is what I do--you might want to put Brooks on the IR to start the season--that means he misses the first 4 to 7 games. He can use the time learning the offense better and strengthening the knee. Meanwhile, running behind the new OL, Hubbard and Sanders can hold it down. After four games, the Panthers have a 21-day window to activate Brooks. We could put Sanders on the block during that time, trying to get a trade for him. If not, after week 7, put him the bench (inactive) then cut him June 2, 2025 and the cap hit is only $1,475,000 per year. If Brooks enters the lineup on Week 8, for example, we'd get a fresh RB on a stronger knee midseason. Not the best situation, but we can take a negative situation (Sanders not working out; Brooks' rehab) and make it work to our benefit more than cutting him outright.

There is some talk about Sanders being cut. Here is how I see it playing out--if you cut him post June 1 this year, you save very little. Even though Brooks will be ready to play July 1, 2024, you might want to bring him along slowly. With Hubbard and Miles behind the revamped OL, you can get away with it. I might even put Brooks on IR for the first part of the season and allow Sanders and Hubbard to rotate. You would get a fresh RB mid season. Then you put Sanders on IR and cut him Post June 1, 2025. That would save you $6.7m. That is my theory.

They seem to be focusing on versatility.

Bootle is still on the team--he was good last year in very limited duty--I think Gilmore will get done.

I noticed that we did not seem to be too worried about CB, although I really like the CBs we added (draft and undrafted signings). However, we can't go into the season with an injury prone CB, a 33-year old nickel, and a free agent, former seventh rounder. Even if Gilmore is used sparingly until we have an injury to Horn or Jackson, we need another veteran. We also have Bootle, who is a 27-year old veteran who played pretty well last year. I think both Willie Drew and Smith-Wade have a good chance of making the roster, and I don't think rolling with six CBs is ridiculous in this day and age. Morgan was focused on Offense and, as you recall, pounded the table for Dane Jackson in Buffalo in round seven. He seems to have found a pair of gems yesterday, but they take time. They fit a "type" (good tackling, versatile). I also think Gilmore might be good for Clowney as well. To your point--if we sign Gilmore, I feel very positive about the CB room. If Horn stays healthy, it would be a strength and not a liability.

I am not good at player comparisons, but he reminds me of this guy (I noticed that both of these backs instinctively switch the ball from arm to arm, keeping it away from the defender. I think Dickerson goes down easier than Brooks, which may be the reason he was not injury prone--don't know for sure:

Likeable guy,

Duffy: (Scheme fit) Player Summary: This fifth year Tackle will be looking to start for his third full season. He has a thick base, and a tight yet chunky midsection, carrying more of a Guards frame. He plays with a fast twitch using his quick feet, making him quick off the snap, fast to the 2nd level, showing good recovery potential. His foot movement bolsters his sturdy lower body which he uses to drive defenders out of their gaps or effectively turn them, as well as stalemating some of the stronger lineman. Additionally, it allows him to quickly arrive and seal a pull or trap. On second level blocks he is dangerous, once he lays his body on the defender, they are rendered ineffective. In zone blocks, he quickly crosses the defenders’ shoulders and can kick out with relative ease. Christian plays with fire and pride in pass pro, competing hard to the whistle. He possesses a solid Anchor that holds up when he is out maneuvered and stands firm against bull rushes holding up with formidable leverage. His slow turn ability in pass pro, allows rushers to arc to the QB. This also affects blitzers or delayed rushers coming from either side as he struggles to pick up the second rusher, opening a quick path to the backfield. He struggles to adjust to defenders throughout the game, causing mistakes to constantly repeat. His biggest weakness is with UOH, and wide hand placement. This affects EVERY facet of his game. On run plays and screens, while he is quick to the defender and provides a successful initial pop, it is often negated by his ability to maintain the block, allowing LB’s to fight off blocks before the ball carrier arrives. In pass pro, he is a decently executed move away from giving up his outside shoulder exposing a short path to the QB, and loss of the ability to mirror. Scheme Fit: Zone Scheme with quick passes in an RPO/Possession, or heavy run Offense Dyson Jr. (small school sleeper)

I was surprised they even offered.

Put up some numbers at Coastal. I could see him on the PS--and that is not a bad thing considering the fact that we could lose 3 veteran WRs over the next 12 mos.

Not really polite, but expected. It was stated as a possibility, but hey, if you see an opportunity to do you, take it.

Thanks. big safety Clayton Isbell Height: 6'2" Weight: 221 Wingspan: 83 inches Arm Length: 33 1/2 inches Hand Size: 10 1/8 inches 40-yard dash: 4.75 / 4.76 5-10-5: 4.31 3-Cone: 7.09 Bench Press: 8 Vertical Jump: 32 inches Broad Jump: 9'11"

If the Center makes the roster--and he has a legit shot--we could have 3 Undrafted Free Agents make this team--it is possible--in addition to our draft picks. Unreal. Only a very bad team can pull that off.

WR – Jalen Coker, Holy Cross CB – Willie Drew, Virginia State Considering the depth chart, these two Undrafted Free Agents have a legitimate chance of making the roster. I don't see much else, but some may make the practice squad. The competition for Coker is TMJ and Smith Marsette--two of the three should make the roster (if things were decided today). At CB, Drew's competition for the final CB roster spot is weak , full of inexperienced Journeymen (Jamison gave up 80% completion rate in limited action with 47 PFF score; AJ Parker, 26, had 2 passes thrown to him and both were completed in limited action) Having placed my reputation on the line (not much of a reputation or line), I will share my updated depth chart, at no extra charge (I realize this is premature--it is to show how they could make the roster): Offense (23) Left Tackle Left Guard Center Right Guard Right Tackle Ickey Ekwonu Damien Lewis Austin Corbett Robert Hunt Taylor Moton Yosh Nijman Chandler Zavala Cade Mays Brady Christesen Wide Receiver Running Back Quarterback Tight End Diontae Johnson Jonathan Brooks Bryce Young Ja’Tvion Sanders Xavier Leggette Chuba Hubbard Andy Dalton Tommy Tremble Adam Thielen Miles Sanders Ian Thomas Jonathan Mingo Stephen Sullivan I Smith-Marsette Jalen Coker T Marshall Jr Defense (25) Jack Linebacker Defensive End Defensive Tackle Defensive End Sam Linebacker Jadav Clowney Derrick Brown Shy Tuttle A’Shwn Robinson DJ Wonnum Amare Barno Jaden Crumley Nick Thurmond LaBryan Ray DJ Johnson K'Lvon Chaisson Eku Leota Cornerback Will LB Mike LB Nickel Cornerback JC Horn Shaq Thompson Josey Jewell Troy Hill Dane Jackson Willie Drew Michael Barrett Trevin Wallace Chau Smith-Wade Dicaprio Bootle Chand. Wooten Strong Safety Free Safety Jordan Fuller Xavier Woods Jammi Robinson Sam Franklin Names in Italics are not part of roster–competing for a spot. RED–draft Picks; BLUE-Undrafted Free Agents; GREEN–free agents.

They signed him to a contract--I realize one that they can break, but that shows they have a place for him. I think they were waiting for the draft to decide what they are going to do with TMJ. They drafted Legette to do the job that he has failed to do....Coker will play STs and spot duty as a WR and he will compete for the slot job when Thielen leaves. The money suggests that they are more serious about him, unless there is something I don't understand.

We are working at a pretty fast pace--appreciate all everyone has done to get the information out asap.

It is pretty awesome when every college player in the country thinks they can make your roster--and some are right. Thanks Fittermagic!

the list had an error, I think. Taylor Upshaw Edge Arizona Sam Pinckney, WR Coastal Jack Plummer, QB, Louisville Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross Popo Aumava, DT, Oregon Wilie Drew, CB, Virginia State Derrick McLendon, LB, Colorado Deshawn Gaddie Jr, CB Ole Miss Jeremiah Crawford, OL Tennessee Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma Devin Carter, WR, WVU Leo Lowin, LB, Army

I am trying to keep up--had to eat w the wife. This has not been checked to see if I missed one--- Sorry to have inconvenienced you. Taylor Upshaw Edge Arizona Sam Pinckney, WR Coastal Jack Plummer, QB, Louisville Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross Beanie Bishop, CB WVU Popo Aumava, DT, Oregon Wilie Drew, CB, Virginia State Derrick McLendon, LB, Colorado Deshawn Gaddie Jr, CB Ole Miss Jeremiah Crawford, OL Tennessee Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma Devin Carter, WR, WVU Leo Lowin, LB, Army

From Clayton NC. 6 years in college. Nothing special.

He could be our next starting slot once Thielen leaves--they basically signed him to a contract on the spot...Steve Smith Sr. recruiting for us.