MHS831

That is where I am confused because they talk about him being a hybrid, off-ball LB and edge rusher. In a 3-4, and off-ball LB would be one of the ILBs who drops into coverage or reads and reacts--and this could be because their descriptions are written so that they apply to a 4-3 as well as a 3-4. It seems if he is to be used as a hybrid, he would be a better fit in the 4-3 as a Will or even a Sam, but not the MLB. So if we are drafting a 6-1, 245 lb pure edge rusher, is Walker the guy?

Let's do math: If the Giants take Sanders (still some are saying they will--I do not think they will) at 3 it could get interesting. 1 Ward Tennessee 2. Hunter Cleveland (A need at WR#2 with Jeudy and an upgrade at CB#2 to replace Emerson) I also think they will watch Sanders and move up from 33 if he drops, but not in this scenario) 3. Sanders NY Giants (This is the hypothetical that could change the way folks are thinking. I do not think they do this, frankly, because they just signed 2 qbs. In addition, they have 2 edge players--but both will be paid second contracts in 2026, so the smart thing to do is draft Carter and trade Thibideaux. However, they just took a third or fourth look at Sanders so it could happen) 4. Carter New England (Everyone has Campbell going to the Pats because they need a LT to protect their young QB. Aging Harold Landry is their top edge and they were bad in that area in 2024. Take the elite edge over the short-armed OT--this is where it gets wonky) 5. Jeanty Jacksonville (Most mocks have Graham here, but there are whispers that the Jags like this dominant RB and will take him. All hell just broke loose if this happens) (This is going well for the Panthers so far if they draft at 8. ) 6. Walker, Vegas. (The Raiders have a need at RB they can address later, Edge, and WR--and I think they can address WR later. If Jeanty is gone, they could take Hampton or think Edge and take Walker to play across from Crosby. A few are saying that if Jax takes Jeanty, the Raiders are likely to take Walker, creating a situation where you have Crosby and the Micah Parson's project.) 7. Campbell, NY Jets. (Tyron Smith just retired. With a new QB coming in, many had weapon TE Warren hear, but nope--LT and one could argue RT are priorities--If Campbell is gone, Membou--either way, they are taking an OT). 8. Graham, IDL, Panthers. Imagine a DL with Brown, Graham, Wharton, Brown III, and Robinson. Imagine going live at Panther practices with the OL vs the DL. Id pay just to see that.

With Clowney, Wonnum, Jones on the payroll, I am not sure they draft 2 edges this year--but who knows. You could argue (your point) that Jalon fills 2 of those needs---but I need to watch more film (video) on him playing ILB--hard for me to get a read on him. Understand that since my first teaching job was at Salisbury High School and the head football coach and I (OL coach) used to go the Catawba and sit in the Bennett's office and talk football and watch film with the Catawba coaches--and Jalon's dad was one of them--then they went to Coastal Carolina to start that program--I feel an emotional attachment to Jalon (who was not born at the time). I also loved his interviews--seems high character--and I would love to see him on the Panthers' defense--if he fits. I think his versatility scares people because that is his strength, and lack of reps in one role might be perceived as being raw--There are about 3 players I do NOT want, and Walker is not one of them. (Stewart, Williams, TMac).

My problem picking Jalon at #8 when I mock--and yes, I engage in mockery quite often--I still feel the need to draft an edge and an ILB later. Maybe that is because I am not sure how he will be used.

I had no idea he was linked to sources around the league. Who knew?

We are doing the same thing on defense this year---

I really like Cade Mays at C---I don't think Corbett should be the starter without competition.

tweener syndrome is my guess. He is a solid player overall, but will he be a solid edge? solid LB? I can see how teams might devalue him--I did. I can say on my mock sites he is on the board in round 2 on one and he goes top 15 on the other. the more I think about it--try to filter out the stereotypes and bias--and the more Warren and Membou video I watch, it is hard not to stick with what you know will be closer to a sure thing. I doubt we go Warren, but a top OT is a long play that might be the smartest thing we could do considering the talent at 8. I am scared that we love Stewart or Williams--- I know people would storm the castle if we drafted, at 8, a player who does not start year 1. But I have a feeling we are going edge come hell or high water.

Yeah, you can cherry pick a person to death. Sims has his reasons, I just do not see his logic at times--but he knows more than I do. Sometimes you over research the best players and that causes you to focus on the questions--when the new flavors emerging are flaunting strengths.

Did not know that about Barron, but a nickel is more valuable than it was 20 years ago---I watched some tape (video) and I really liked what I saw. For us? I would take Will Johnson, just not at 8--maybe 11 or after---

For reference, zone cbs need quick reaction time, smart angles, etc. Josh Norman ran a 4.67 40. Barron is going to be the first CB taken, imo.

Unless we trade back with Cleveland or the Giants, for example. I seriously doubt it, but if they want back in to grab Sanders, there is still a chance. I see one or both trying to move back into the first to grab a QB---if the Giants, for example, could get Hunter or Carter, and move back into the draft and get Sanders---that would be a full draft in terms of value. Guys on the hot seat who need to win NOW could do it. Cleveland too. You could argue that they have Wilson and Winston--I would argue that is a reason to do it. I just think desperate men do desperate things, and Daboll and Schoen are desperate. The Giants and Panthers have a front-office relationship evidenced in the Hard Knocks Burns deal. It could happen.... But yeah, you are right. I don't look forward to anything more than the Draft. Something is bad wrong with me.

Thanks Bear Hands, if that is your real name, for putting this thread together and sharing resources--so much better when we are talking about facts and supported opinions.

I see him as a high risk pick. I get it. Been saying all along--Evero better use him correctly--

Maybe Evero can use Walker better than Georgia did. Nobody knows.

Simms is wrong a lot.

....And with the seventh pick, the New York Jets select Jalon Walker.... Awkward.

a while back, I read that they really liked TMac. It has been at least a month since then...

The four J's of Jeanious.

It is possibly a process of elimination as much as it is a term of endearment. And they also like to bring in guys they think might not get drafted and will feel a connection with them and sign an UDFA contract.

When I was at the track meet I mentioned, it was at Thomasville. The Tennessee Scout was someone I knew because he was at UNC before that. He was there to meet with/scout Thomasville player(s). He did not even look at TA. Never will forget, when I asked him how he likes Knoxville (one of my favorite cities), he said, "The first thing you do is find a good barber and an honest mechanic. If you have those two things, you can live anywhere." I never forgot it-it is my code now.

So when Morgan said he was only interested in players with a lot of production in college, do you think that did not exclude Mykel? I guess the term "production" is somewhat ambiguous.

Some have said that they do not like this draft after the first rounder--I personally do--just wonder where the OT and edge are. Based on Morgan's comments, I am not seeing WR that early, but I like Bech.

You all make some great points. I love the OT Trapilo pick but it is a round too soon. Tells me someone is doing their homework. He is a solid pass blocking RT and we need pass blockers to keep Bryce nice. About S--I want an early S too, but Richardson was not bad when he played. Most players improve the most between years 1 and 2. There are some decent safeties in this draft later, so maybe I have been looking at the Corvettes in the showroom when I should have been kicking tires in the used SUV lot. Regardless, with Moton's knee concerns, age, contract, etc. I really would like to see us draft a legit starting-caliber, second tier OT now. I watched Trapoli at the Sr Bowl and he has really strong pass pro form. 33" arms (OK) and he is 6'8". There are others I like as well: Cam Williams, Texas Donovan Jackson, Ohio St. Charles Grant, W&M Anthony Belton, NC State Emory Jones, LSU Our coaching staff just showed us how they can develop young players. Wait until the third or fourth and get one of these guys. Take a year to prepare them. Sign BC to another 1-year contract for insurance. If our OL coaches are an asset and they have a year to work with one of these OTs above, let them do their jobs. In that second round pick slot, maybe we can get that Safety--might have to move up a bit--I would not be surprised to see a draft day trade of Zavala. If other teams were scouting us properly, they should have seen a potential starter buried on the depth chart.

People forget that a lot of the first round OTs struggled as rookies--Sewell is a top 5 OT and he struggled, for example. It takes time.