With the 6th pick in the 1st round, the Carolina Panthers

What do you think it will be AND what are you hoping for

 

I think they try to trade back and still go OL, while drafting a QB later in the draft.

 

Fitterer started out this Free Agency addressing the line, much like last year, but with good players. I don't think he's done yet, and neither do I think he wants to rely on what's on the roster. That speaks to an offensive lineman.

Rhule may want a quarterback, but if he has to win this season I don't see any of the rookies doing it. I also think he's arrogant enough to think that he can still salvage something with Darnold, which will make him look better than just winning with a rookie. So unless he believes he will be here in 2023 I don't think a quarterback is the answer.

Another point is that Fitterer has to be thinking about 2023 as well, and if they take a QB then the new coach will be saddled with a guy who may or may not fit the system he wants to run.

Last year they demonstrated that they would not reach for a QB over another prospect that they have graded higher. I find it hard to imagine that any QB out there is graded higher on their board than the top Tackles.

Finally, they need to get the fan base excited, and we've all been complaining about the line since Gross retired. Yes, we've been complaining about a QB too, but those are hard to find and fans know those don't grow on trees.

So, I think that they do like last year and finish building the foundation, then start looking for a QB to run with it. It would not surprise me at all if they go out and get a veteran QB to help with that if/when Sam shits the bed again, and shift their scheme to one that's more about a power run game. You know, the style that Rhule claims he wanted. Ben McAdoo seems to fit that.

Look for them to either trade down and try and get second day picks for a risk/reward prospect like Carson Strong and take a second wave LT in the first like Penning or Raimann, or instead grab one of Cross/Ekwonu/Neal at six and send a late round 2023 pick to another team to pick up a veteran QB.

 

I would want them to trade up to get Evan Neal, but I know that won't happen

 

What are you going to give to trade up from #6?

 

whatever it takes

 

I'd like Neal but read Cross is the better pass blocker. That and the NCSU guy is better suited at RT. If one of those QST two are there Grab them but have a trade ready to go with someone in early to mid teams wanting someone and get a 2nd to flip flop. So much talent supposedly in rds 2-4

 

If Neal was there, I would look hard, otherwise, as Jag said, trade back with Houston or Philly and pick up a 2nd

Take Penning and grab your QB project in the 2nd.

Jag makes a good point that if Rhule does not get it done or a least heads in the right direction, a new coach will want "their guy" at QB and next years draft has much better candidates.

 

My understanding is that Cross is the best pass blocker Ekwonu is the best run blocker, and Neal is the most versatile and likely also has the highest ceiling. If I were to rank them, I would want Ekwenu first, Neal second, and Cross third. But I'll celebrate if we get any of them.

 

I wouldn't sneeze at Penning or Linderbaum either.