Examining The First 3 Rounds

[MHS831]

The following helped me see the depth of talent at the Panthers top areas of concern (after QB) in rounds 2 and 3.  I include round 1 to predict who might be off the board.  I have included my needs list.  Thought I would share-(lotta cutting and pasting--hope it is legible)

MHS’ prioritized list of Panther Needs entering Draft as of 4/1/23:
1.    Quarterback
2.    Edge Rusher
3.    Cornerback (nickel)
4.    Wide Receiver depth
5.    Inside Linebacker depth
6.    Defensive End (3-4, 3-5t) depth
7.    Offensive Tackle (Swing) depth

 

FIRST ROUND EDGE RUSHERS

FIRST ROUND CORNERS

FIRST ROUND WIDE RECEIVERS

Round 1:  I have 4 QBs potentially being drafted, 5 Edge Rushers, 4 WRs, and 6 CBs (questionable).  That would be 19 of the 31 players selected, so there are players who could fall into the second round.  In my opinion, the following players could possibly fall past pick 31:
•    CBs: Deonte Banks, Kelee Ringo
Would that cause the Panthers to forego an Edge Rusher and grab a CB?  I do not think so.  I expect the Panthers to take an Edge Rusher in round 2.

SECOND ROUND EDGE RUSHERS

SECOND ROUND CORNERS

SECOND ROUND WIDE RECEIVERS

Round 2: With Five Edge Rushers going in Round 1, expect a lot of trading between nights one and two by teams wanting to move up into round 2 to get that edge rusher because there are literally 12-14 quality edge rushers capable of starting early.  Not all are perfect fits for the Panther's 3-4—the Panthers could harness this momentum and trade back into round 2 and still get a good edge.  There are 7 quality Edge players that are given round 2 ratings.  The CB market is not that impressive, but if Banks and Ringo fall as predicted, it gets better.  Although we need a WR, Hyatt could go round 1 and Downs just does not meet our needs, imo.  However, it seems that there are three-four DE’s perfect for the Panthers that have “Plus Starter” ratings from NFL.com.  They are (in no particular order):
•    Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
•    Derrick Hall, Auburn
•    BJ Ojulari, LSU
•    Isiah Foskey, Notre Dame
I just do not see how we go WR or CB in round 2 when we need an Edge—the second round is loaded with quality Edge rushers.

ROUND 3 EDGE RUSHERS

ROUND 3 CORNERS

ROUND 3 WIDE RECEIVERS

Round 3:  At the end of round 3 might be the best time to get the CB.  We need a nickel CB to keep Horn and Jackson on the outside.  Last year, teams like the Bucs were able to force the defense into situations where the Panthers had to play Henderson or Taylor on the outside vs. the #1 WR.  Not ideal. While I prefer a free agent CB to play the nickel (remember, there will be times when Chinn is in the big nickel, so this player is not a starter—but needs to be better than Hartsfield was. However, there are some decent gems at WR that could be there at the end of round 3.  Some names of interest at each position are:
•    CB: Williams (Syracuse), Turner (Michigan--some have him going much earlier), and Kelly (Stanford)
•    WR: Rice (SMU), Mimms (Oklahoma)

 

 

[Tr3ach]

I know a lot of people see edge as a huge need but i just dont understand it.  Especially considering we will be in 34 probably 20% of the time.  Burns, luvu, haynes, and barno seem fine for now.  A need sure, one of the biggest?   I just dont see it.  Is it because everyone is excited about the switch to 34 and edge is kind of a flashy new toy?  I would say de is more of a need right now as far as the transition.   Evero's scheme is built around having a very talented secondary.  The rest of the posistions are more plug and play with solid players who know their role.  I appreciate all the work you did on your post.

Edited April 1, 2023 by Tr3ach

[MHS831]

4 minutes ago, Tr3ach said:

I know a lot of people see edge as a huge need but i just dont understand it.  Especially considering we will be in 34 probably 20% of the time.  Burns, luvu, haynes, and barno seem fine for now.  A need sure, one of the biggest?   I just dont see it.  Is it because everyone is excited about the switch to 34 and edge is kind of a flashy new toy?  I would say de is more of a need right now as far as the transition. 

I do not see Luvu as an edge--I think they play him at ILB.  That may explain it, and Barno is very raw and unproven.   That is probably the reason we are not on the same page--I really do not know how they will use Luvu and Chinn--so this is hard to gauge--but last year, we have Luvu and Barno and YGM and Burns--aside from Burns, Luvu had 7 sacks, but he was not playing edge/end.  So who knows?  However, if you decide Luvu is an edge rusher, you need a LB--

But yeah, it is hard to gauge--you have to pick 1 perspective and stick to it to avoid madness.

[Tr3ach]

Just now, MHS831 said:

I do not see Luvu as an edge--I think they play him at ILB.  That may explain it, and Barno is very raw and unproven.   That is probably the reason we are not on the same page--I really do not know how they will use Luvu and Chinn--so this is hard to gauge--but last year, we have Luvu and Barno and YGM and Burns--aside from Burns, Luvu had 7 sacks, but he was not playing edge/end.  So who knows?  However, if you decide Luvu is an edge rusher, you need a LB--

But yeah, it is hard to gauge--you have to pick 1 perspective and stick to it to avoid madness.

Understandable.   I honestly see Luvu as better at an edge but who knows.  He will definitely kick inside out of the base defense.

[MHS831]

1 minute ago, Tr3ach said:

Understandable.   I honestly see Luvu as better at an edge but who knows.  He will definitely kick inside out of the base defense.

You know, if they decide BPA during the draft, they could take the Edge and play Luvu at ILB--but they are going to move people around, change things up- so I think they will like the hybrid players. 

If I were picking in this draft in round 2, I would want an edge because they, imo, are the deepest group--as deep as TE.

[MHS831]

3 minutes ago, Tr3ach said:

Understandable.   I honestly see Luvu as better at an edge but who knows.  He will definitely kick inside out of the base defense.

you can't argue with 7 sacks--he has a nose for the QB.

[jfra78]

7 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

I do not see Luvu as an edge--I think they play him at ILB.  That may explain it, and Barno is very raw and unproven.   That is probably the reason we are not on the same page--I really do not know how they will use Luvu and Chinn--so this is hard to gauge--but last year, we have Luvu and Barno and YGM and Burns--aside from Burns, Luvu had 7 sacks, but he was not playing edge/end.  So who knows?  However, if you decide Luvu is an edge rusher, you need a LB--

But yeah, it is hard to gauge--you have to pick 1 perspective and stick to it to avoid madness.

Luvu has played OLB and ILB in 34, but has more snaps at OLB.  I think his skill set is better suited for OLB personally.  I see ILB as a big need in the draft and hope they pick Jack Cambell.  

Burns, Shaq, Campbell, Luvu would be a pretty good group

[MHS831]

3 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

Luvu has played OLB and ILB in 34, but has more snaps at OLB.  I think his skill set is better suited for OLB personally.  I see ILB as a big need in the draft and hope they pick Jack Cambell.  

Burns, Shaq, Campbell, Luvu would be a pretty good group

Campbell is my hope as well if they go that route.  I am also hoping Smith steps up--I think this staff will do him right.

Edited April 1, 2023 by MHS831

[stratocatter]

Me too on ILB. 

[MHS831]

Will McDonald IV from Iowa St should be on this list as well.  That makes at least 13 Edge rushers should go in the top 63 picks.  That is hard to imagine.  That would mean an edge rusher would be picked every 4.8 selections.

[KatsAzz]

46 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

you can't argue with 7 sacks--he has a nose for the QB.

I fully agree with that statement.

[jayboogieman]

You may want to look at the rest of the projected 3rd round edge rushers. I think Fitt will trade 39 and may drop out of the 2nd round entirely if a team offers two 3rds or a high 3rd, 4th, and whatever else he can get.

Of the 2nd round edge rushers you have listed, Tuli Tuipulotu would be someone to keep an eye on.

[CamWhoaaCam]

We have capspace to sign a edge guy.

 

I rather sign Frank Clark and draft a starting DB opposite of Horn.

 

Defense would be pretty much set with those 2 positions cleared up.

[ForJimmy]

I want Downs in the 2nd or Boutte in the 3rd. I think we need another WR especially after hearing about Chark’s recent ankle surgery.