MHS831

The biggest problem on the OL was horribly inconsistent play at Left........Guard. Once that position is addressed, the LT and C will improve. LT was bad, but there were times when the LG should have picked up an inside move and he was staring at a LB. He gave up A gap a bunch--golden rule of OL play--A gap is off limits for DTs. Yet Reed got beat in A gap. So on the right side, Miller, Paradis, and Moton should have solid communication and know each other. On the left side, we are going to have new faces. Frankly, the OL as a group is tough to rank because it depends on the QB and his release time. If Teddy was checking down quickly, they look better than they were.

OP makes some good points. I know Rhule has perhaps more involvement (at least he did last year) than some coaches, to a point where the ultimate decision is probably his to approve or deny, and part of coaching is psychology--part of the GM position is playing the numbers. MAKING IT SIMPLE: Is Darnold a long-term franchise QB? Is Fields or Lance? (like run-run said--if you do not think Darnold is the answer, you take the QB)--however, if you simply do not know: 1. Darnold has the tools, but he was not really their first choice--Stafford and then Watson and now the Darnold move. It was a shrewd move, because it gives the Panthers options. However, did it lock the Panthers into a commitment with Darnold? The trade value says "nope." Yet if the staff has decided to go all in to develop Darnold, do you draft another QB in round 1 (if you do, let's call a duck a duck--that QB is your starter in 2022, in 9 out of 9 situations.) So if Darnold is to start and you draft a QB in the top 10, does that motivate Darnold or does that discourage his development? Does it matter? So what I am saying is this--it is probable that if you draft a QB in the top 8 you have made a decision about Darnold before he has played a down. Is he insurance or do they think they can fix his mechanics? 2. Darnold is young (approaching 24) and needs a shot with a good coach, OL, and weapons. By signing Darnold, you get as much potential as you get in Fields and Lance, and perhaps a shorter learning curve. Accepting him as your QB gives you options in the draft, options needed if you are serious about making this a championship team. For example, if Fields is there at 8, I expect a team like New England (if they have not already moved up), or Washington, or Chicago, or maybe even Pittsburgh to move up. They will offer picks in 2021 and a few in 2022. Let's say we move back with Washington, a team probably willing to offer their first 3 picks and a second rounder in 2022 (for example). You agree to trade back, you get a T, CB, WR in the first and second rounds, and Darnold's draft cost is more than covered. Yes, you miss out on the elite player and settle for 3 very good ones, but in the end, you just got better in every area of concern and your QB is a former third overall pick who is 23 years old. Oh, and with one of the picks you acquired, trade up later and take Mond or Mills or even Trask. Develop him and in 2 years, if Darnold does not work out, he gets his chance and you have a QB with 2 years of coaching and some experience under his belt at age 24, ready to play. My answer---use the fact that Fields or Lance is there as trade bait and build your team by moving back.

I have had the same thought--even though I want a LT badly. I have stated that it seems the Panthers have addressed the T spot to some degree--$8m guaranteed to Erving on a 2-year deal, re-signed Scott, Daley is available if he is not injured, etc. But we let Curtis Sam walk out of here and have reacted by signing a WR that had half the yards and receptions last year. You have to think we are not done. I think Moore #2 is a WR #4. Maybe the slot is open. TE is also a weapon, and upgrading at TE in this draft requires that you take Pitts if he is there. Suddenly, you have a dangerous person in addition to your dangerous WRs. So here is the plan---get weapons and get more dangerous. Moore is not bad at slot if you have Pitts. If you don't get Pitts, you need one of the big playmakers, and who is the draft's biggest playmaker at slot WR? Waddle. Moore/Anderson/Moore#2/Pitts Moore/Anderson/Waddle/Arnold

This guy thinks Brown is a first rounder I stand corrected---this is the most underrated OT in the draft. Pretty sure that he was not on the Rhule side of the SR bowl--played for the other side. Hoping Rhule would have had full opportunity to get to know him. I am of the mindset--if Moton wants big money, let him go get it. Do not see much of a drop off here and we could save $80m over 4 years in cap room.

I think Jenkins could go top 15, but most have him at late first, early second. If you look at trade value, that is more underrated. You do not have to be unknown to be underrated. Untouchable, I have been spying Brown for some time now. I think he (like Jenkins) has been on the right side, but he has the athleticism to convert. He will go second round and people will be startled. Yes, startled.

There is always that one player that you remember that shows us how stupid we are about the transition from college to pros. Not just us---the GMs and scouts. I mean, they weigh them, interview them, watch hours of film, and they make them run drills, jump high and far, lift weights, take tests, and the success rate for first rounders is about 55%? Why go through that much trouble? Flip a damn coin. Waddle was the slot WR with 2 pretty good WRs on the outside. He can scat, for sure. Here, the situation will be pretty similar. So maybe there is something there. I look at positional value, and a LT is worth far more than a slot WR. So for me, it is a no brainer--I hope he is gone before we pick.

BOLD prediction. What is it you see that speaks to in such a manner that we all cannot hear it?

Which brings us back to Darnold. I agree 100%. Not that Darnold will be successful, but we can probably all agree that he will be more successful.

I sorta agree, but when the season is on the line....That is how kids bust. Herbert was supposed to ride pine and got thrown in too early. He is OK. Watson, Cam, Murray, etc. started week 1. It is a rough way to begin. Three games in preseason and 7 in regular season is not unthinkable.

I am pretty sure our board goes something like: Trevor Wilson Fields Sewell Pitts Waddle Chase Slater

Or you could move back and take Jenkins---I am high on him, not drugs though. Just say no.

Why they signed Cam. But they are not putting the entire season on his shoulders. Lance can develop and could run most of the offense designed for Cam. Nobody is suggesting that Lance start day 1, but Week 6 or 7? Maybe.

It makes no sense to do what they did in free agency and walk into the season with only a ? at QB. They are all in, and think they can contend again with a QB. I am nearly certain that you are right--anywhere from Atlanta-Detroit

If you think about it, securing Darnold was a brilliant move because it cost nothing compared to what being in a situation where we HAD to move up would have cost. We know Darnold will be better--better coaches, better weapons x 10, better OL (in theory). Better defense. So we get a better QB than he was in NY, pretty much guaranteed, a kid who flashes big time arm talent but has some lower body mechanical issues, and we get a 24 year old player. I am not sure we need to bring in a first rounder right now.

Kraft would show up at the draft in nothing but a towel AND all his draft picks and some lotion.

Sshh. On April 28, I am going to Redit and tell everyone that he was once a woman then had surgery to come back for the prom because he already had a date and purchased a dress then started to have another surgery to revert back but forgot what gender he is so he is conflicted.

Yes--2-4 are elite.

Interesting--was waiting to see one that did not reach the top--in my book, there are 4qbs and 3 elite-generational talents---but my emotions put an eighth one in there.

Very underrated then and now. He was better at LG, but you could play him anywhere. Slater reminds me of Wharton to some degree. I am not comparing their talent levels, but their style and versatility...

So were we.

Good point. You don't see that stuff on these tapes. But his technique is solid and that tends to reduce penalties--unless he loses it between his ears.

exactly---draft some bookends. I would not mind trading up to get him at the end of the first round....You know he would be an upgrade to moton and you would get him on a five-year deal---saving you about $20m per year on average over the next 4 years--I think we can trade Moton too, and prolly get a high pick for him in 2022. Slater and Jenkins? Shhhoooooooot yeah.

Some folks are going to be sick in about 2-3 years when these guys they over-analyzed are lighting it up. And others will be trading their picks for a sixth this year and a second and fourth next year.

Nice way of looking at it.

All in on Tackle. Watch the Tevan Jenkins video in the draft thread. I wish he were a LT, and wonder if he will be tried there. Arms shorter than 33"