Not sure about Abdul Carter just yet...

[Stingray3030]

If we draft him we get him for 4 years at a massive discount  - if he leaves after that to chase $$ so be it.  Are we really still pretending ANY of these guys are doing this for the love of the game and their teammates or fans?  Guys its a pay day for them - every single one of them - as it would be for you.  Ego and immaturity you worry about - chasing money isn't a big deal.  If anything it makes them play harder to get it.

[Crixtala]

15 hours ago, csx said:

I wouldn't be concerned about  mock drafts especially in December 

personally, I'm more concerned with mocks in December than January-April. the information currently is based off actual game footage. any movement post-season is based off of out of game info, which is WAY less important to me.

now until draft is when most people rise or fall based off of pundit opinions, freak performances in physical tests in shorts or off-field drama.

gimme someone who shows up in game, not the bench press or 40-yard dash

[Bear Hands]

15 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Apparently the D-line class is very strong this year. I’ve only just stated with draft prep but it seems there are 3 or 4 edge guys in the top 15

I'd argue the complete opposite.  The edge defenders are pretty poor and underperformed mightily vs. expectations.  The hyped guys going into the season like Scourton, Pearce, Mykell all pretty much crapped the bed.  

If we're comparing classes, as prospects, I'd say Carter, Scourton, Pearce, & Mykell are all below Latu, Verse, WMIV, Van Ness, & Turner in the past two years.  They're in that Chop Robinson tier (who funny enough, Carter replaced in the PSU lineup).  

Slide him into 2024, he would have gone in the 20s.  That's not who I want if we're drafting this high. I don't see the power, hand technique, and I'm surprised no one brought up that he has a misdemeanor assault charge on his record.

He's quick and has a solid first step, can dip and speed rush.  He can't bull rush, which is a problem for our nickel packages.  Gets thrown off balance way too easily.

[Bear Hands]

You look at prior prospects like Will McDonald and Tuli Tuipulotu - those are the types that I would want to target.  More balanced in their repertoire, have a combo power and speed moves.  Already decent against the run so can run in our base & get in the dirt in our sub packages.  

To me in this draft the best fit is Donovan Ez from BC.  Already a good edge setter, proven sack artist, versatile guy - standing or hands-in-dirt.  Good tackler, good dropping into coverage.  He can play our even and odd fronts.  Can be 3-downs, less gimmicky than the high upside athletic types that need to get phased in.  Much like Tuipulotu IMO.  

[CRA]

On 12/12/2024 at 5:52 AM, blueandblackattack said:

Was looking at what players are getting mocked to us at the moment, and the most common one is Abdul Carter from Penn State. I know we still got 4 more games to determine where we actually draft, but doesn't hurt to get a jump on the top players.

Now to preface this, I read reports that the reason why he hasn't played edge until this season is because he and his father were both ADAMANT from day 1 that he was a stand up linebacker, no if's or buts about it.

So, what made him change his mind finally this season? Here's his answer:

Now, I know most people will probably say "gotta get that money, can't blame a guy for that", and I agree to an extent, but after watching a few interviews and his tape, he seems to be solely motivated by money, and if he was real about football and the craft of it, then he would've been team-first and been an edge this whole time imho. When he talks about football in other interviews, he is terrible at breaking down the game or his play at press conferences. He's so raw he could be turned into sashimi by the time he gets on the field.

I'm getting major Isaiah Simmons bust-vibes from him. But like I said, it's super early, but just wanted to see your thoughts on a player like this and that kinda mentality and headspace.

 

 

I wouldn't equate him to Isaiah Simmons.  Simmons came into the league much more positionless. The fits everywhere and yet nowhere guy.    

[MHS831]

On 12/12/2024 at 10:03 AM, Navy_football said:

No more project players in the first and second rounds. Repeat with me. No more project players in the first and second rounds. I don't care how athletic they are. Production and skill, with a little lower size and athleticism is much better than a pure athlete that doesn't know how to play the position. 

Just saw this--posted the exact same comments on another thread...100% CORRECT.

[VintagePanther]

I’m leaning towards Carter more and more . We don’t need another run stuffing DT . We need a pass rushing DT if we take one . Would Mason Graham truly be worth a top 5 pick if he not a 7/10 sack guy yearly 

[Davidson Deac II]

I am not sure about any of them until they start playing on Sundays.  

[No Maam]

On 12/12/2024 at 1:34 PM, PanthersNCSU said:

He may be great, but we're not in a position for "luxury" picks and hoping they reach their potential. If we're sold on him and his role, sure. But if there's any hesitation as to where he plays, what he is, etc., go get the no doubt, surefire guy. 

Right now, that's Mason Graham or T-Mac to me. Find a way to come away with one of those two, find a pass rusher in FA, and draft another one in the 2nd or 3rd. 

Wait how is getting an edge rusher/off ball LB a luxury pick?? Don’t we need those positions??

[No Maam]

22 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Apparently the D-line class is very strong this year. I’ve only just stated with draft prep but it seems there are 3 or 4 edge guys in the top 15

I’ve seen the same thing.. Which imo is a blessing to us With our needs in the front 7 this draft seem perfect for us…

[Martin]

Will he show up when it matters in the playoffs? If yes, take him, if no, don’t take him. At least that’s how I look at it.

[Aussie Tank]

I'd rather draft TMac or if he's gone Graham and sign Chase Young in FA seeing we were sniffing around him last offseason 

[CBird]

I like graham a lot.  For edge don’t sleep on the DE from South Carolina Kennard as well.

[PappyMay]

24 minutes ago, CBird said:

I like graham a lot.  For edge don’t sleep on the DE from South Carolina Kennard as well.

I also wouldn’t mind him if we don’t grab DL in the first.  I love Scrouton more but looks like he will go in 20’s in most mocks.