Jadarius McCoy

Matt Corral 4MR Profile

2022 4MR Draft Profiles, Justifications with JaDarius

Matt Corral (Quarterback #2)

6’2 212 lbs

23 y/o Redshirt Junior University of Mississippi

(Carleigh Holt-The Grove Report)

Games watched: AUB(’20), ARK(’20), AUB(’21), LOU(’21), LSU(’21), BAMA(’21)

Summary:

Matt Corral is from Ventura, California, and attended football powerhouse Long Beach Polytechnic High School. He was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2018.

Corral received nine total scholarship offers from the University of California Los Angeles, the University of Texas A&M, Michigan University, the University of Georgia, Arizona State University, the University of Southern California, the University of Florida, and the University of Alabama. He enrolled at the University of Mississippi on January 10th, 2018.

Corral appeared in 4 games as a true freshman before being placed under redshirt designation. Before the redshirt, Corral threw for 239 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception. He added 83 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.

In 2019, Corral played in 10 games, with 4 starts at QB. As he played in a two QB system, Corral led the team in passing yards with 1,362. He tossed 6 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. Corral also contributed 135 rushing yards and one rushing score.

Corral earned the starting QB job for the abbreviated 2020 season, starting all 10 games for Ole Miss. His passing tally took a sizeable leap, throwing for 3,337 yards with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In addition, Corral’s rushing production improved, with 506 yards and 4 more TDs. He would become a finalist for the Manning and Davey O’Brien Awards and make the Maxwell award watch list.

Corral played in all 13 contests for the Rebels and threw for 3,349 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, with a career-best 614 yards and 11 scores on the ground. He was an award finalist for the Manning, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, and Walter Camp Player of the Year Awards for his performance.

Corral announced that he would forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft after playing in the Sugar Bowl on January 1st, 2022. In the contest against the Baylor University Bears, he injured his ankle in the first quarter.

While not severe enough to require surgery, Corral’s injury held him out of field drills at the NFL Combine, and he finally threw for scouts at the Ole Miss pro day on March 24th, 2022.

Strengths:

  • Mobility in the pocket
  • Moves and resets to a good base to throw
  • Flashes juice as a running threat
  • Competitor, not an easy tackle
  • Lightning quick release
  • Manipulates arm angles; works off-platform
  • Good arm strength
  • Flashes ability to make quick decisions
  • Adept at finding holes in between zones

Weaknesses:

  • Far hash to sideline throws late often
  • Predetermined reads
  • Inconsistent at pulling the plug on quick designs
  • Hospital balls

Conclusion:

Matt Corral has the mental makeup that an NFL team would desire, and had it not been for the nagging ankle injury, he might’ve entrenched himself as the first or second QB in the class.

As a thrower, the football leaves Corral’s hand extremely fast. If you blink, you will miss his windup. The speed of his windup also leads him to have a deadly pump fake.

The quick windup, coupled with a good habit of setting his feet, also lends to good velocity on throws. The ability to attack holes in zone coverage is apparent because of the velocity. In addition, Corral flashes the ability to react to the rush and return to a solid throwing base.

Corral is a gritty competitor who forces defenders to earn a sack or tackle on the ground. He doesn’t shy away from contact and is a slippery target in the pocket. He is similarly aggressive beyond the scrimmage line, where he flashes some burst as a rusher.

Even with his fast windup and decision-making, throws are late from the far hash to the sideline. A part of this struggle could be route timing.

Arm strength is not a concern for Corral’s deep ball; however, the accuracy of the long ball can be up and down at times. The deep ball did not appear to be a primary function of the scheme.

At times Corral seemed to make predetermined decisions when the read was not there. Even if these plays were one read, it would be more advantageous to let the play die than force the read. Defenders adapted to the scheme and began sitting on quick slants and flat concepts.

Corral’s aggressive playstyle leads him to attack holes in coverage, but this also leads him to throw into windows that are too tight, making his receivers vulnerable to hits. He is more aggressive than many would like their QB to be on the ground.

For Corral’s development at the next level, coaches might find having him slow down his process will help him see the field better.

Schematically, I would like to see Corral in a West Coast system with a vertical attacking aspect. The system will exaggerate holes in the zones by forcing the defense to sit in the box. Corral is exceptional at letting his guys work in space, which is a staple of the West Coast offense.

Coaches will need to help develop those hash to far sideline throws and out-breaking concepts.

Corral has the arm talent to do both.

Average performance grade: 61.3 / 100

Overall Grade: 5.40 (starter in 1-2 years)

State of the Roster Address

Justifications with JaDarius

The new league year starts on March 16th, triggering the mad frenzy of transactions and signings. However, at the current point in the process, teams have set most internal evaluations aside and are focusing on talent outside the organization.

Let’s recap each position and see where the team might consider improving.

*-denotes Unrestricted Free Agent

QB:

Passing production: 

598 attempts / 348 completions

3,239 yards

6.0 per completion

17 TDs / 21 INTS

174 1st Downs

 

Rushing production:

102 attempts

465 yards

10 TDs 

11 fumbles

43 first downs

 

Sam Darnold, Cam Newton*, PJ Walker

 

During the 2022 NFL Combine, General Manager Scott Fitterer mentioned that the QB job is wide open. 

Darnold did not do enough to win the job even though he was tagged. Newton provided a spark, but not enough to win a game as the starter. The team extended Walker, but the reason is likely Temple nepotism.

 

Position grade: D-

Need level: Desperate

Finding a franchise guy is likely what Matt Rhule’s job hinges on. They need to win now, and the room for error in developing a guy is slimmer than a hungry fat man’s patience.

 

My prediction:

 

TRADE— Panthers acquire eight-year vet QB Jimmy Garoppolo from the 49ers for a pair of 2023 day three picks.

I believe that Rhule could still draft a QB in the 2022 NFL draft and have them sit while Garoppolo helps prove that the current regime can win football games.

The Deshaun Watson rumors continue to swirl, but acquiring him would not leave much salary cap or draft capital to improve the rest of the roster.

 

RB:

Rushing production:

323 attempts

1,224 yards

6 TDs

2 fumbles

68 first downs

 

Receiving production:

107 receptions / 140 targets

864 yards

3 TDs

44 first downs

 

Christian McCaffrey, Chuba Hubbard, Ameer Abdullah*, Spencer Brown, Darius Bradwell

McCaffrey is still the offense’s centerpiece, and it’s obvious. 

The team scrambled to replace his rushing and receiving production when he got hurt. They leaned heavily on rookie Chuba Hubbard and free agent Ameer Abdullah. They showed flashes but could not sustain a high level of play.

 

Position grade: C-

Need level:  Neutral

I can’t see the panthers going out of their way to bring in another back, but I don’t think Chuba Hubbard did enough to lock down RB2. Adding a competitor for the RB 2 battle is more likely than a back to split reps with McCaffrey.

 

My Prediction:

 

Panthers sign Free Agent RB Kalen Ballage to a one/two-year deal.

I can see the Panthers signing a lower-level veteran in free agency, preferably one with a varied skill set. The biggest name to watch in this position is probably Marlon Mack from the colts.

There is an outside chance we could see a Le’Veon Bell sighting, as McCaffrey has said he models his game after.

 

WR:

Receiving production:

196 receptions / 355 targets

2,257 yards / 885 yards after catch

10 TDs

1 fumble 

111 first downs

 

Rushing production:

12 attempts 

81 yards

 

DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr, Brandon Zylstra*, Shi Smith, Alex Erickson*, Aaron Parker

A talented room hampered in part by the play of other positions. In the middle of the season, they did have a rough stretch as a group where drops plagued the unit, but they eventually steadied out.

Most of the questions for this unit are on Special teams, as both Zylstra and Erickson, who were vital special teamers, will be free agents.

 

Position grade: B-

Need level: None

There’s no need to panic for this position group. The future is still bright for Marshall Jr and Smith. Anderson and Moore would both benefit from a consistent QB.

 

My prediction:

 

The Panthers resign WR Brandon Zylstra to a two-year deal.

The Panthers have selected WR Velus Jones Jr. in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Zylstra finally got to play a little bit on offense and presented himself as a solid 4th option in the room. 

The 2022 NFL Draft has a decent amount of WRs as well. They nab one with Kick Returning abilities and speed to test defenses.

 

TE/FB:

Receiving production:

45 receptions / 79 targets

452 yards

1 TD

 

Rushing production:

3 attempts

11 yards

1 TD

 

Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Giovanni Ricci, Colin Thompson, Stephen Sullivan

Tight end has become an afterthought for the panthers throughout the past few seasons.

The team worked out a deal to keep Thomas by the request of offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. It’s probably still Tremble’s room, as he got involved in many ways last year, rushing and receiving.

 

Position grade: C-

Need level: Neutral

I think the Panthers are ready to roll with what’s in the room as of right now. There are some good TE prospects in this draft, so they might secure one if one slides into one of their later-round picks.

 

My prediction:

 

*No new moves*

Come draft day, id keep an eye on TE Jeremy Ruckert, and if he slides into day 3, he might be a guy McAdoo likes.

 

OL:

Pass blocking:

50% pass-block win rate (29th)

28.3% pressures allowed (1st)

59 QB hits / 82 Hurries (T-3rd)

52 sacks allowed (5th)

 

Run blocking:

68% run block win rate (26th)

1,036 yards before contact (21st)

 

Brady Christensen, Cam Erving, Pat Elflein, Michael Jordan, Matt Paradis*, Sam Tecklenburg, John Miller*, Dennis Daley, Deonte Brown, Taylor Moton, Trent Scott*, Mike Horton, Aaron Monteiro

There were a couple of times when individuals looked solid this year, but these guys are terrible as a unit. Some of that is obviously on coaching. 

Rhule mixed and matched and experimented all season, including moving his franchise RT to LT for a game.

 

Position grade: D-

Need level: Desperate

The whole building is aware that the team needs more long-term answers at this position. They also need short-term solutions, as they will need to find a center.

Moves will likely depend on how new OL coach James Campen projects young players Christensen and Brown.

 

My prediction:

 

The Carolina Panthers have signed former all-pro G Brandon Scherff to a three-year deal.

With the 106th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Thayer Munford, G/T, Ohio State.

Campen has brought in to having Christensen play LT, and I believe he takes Brown up on learning some Center.

I can see the panthers solidifying the interior by adding Scherff. They have reworked current contracts to create more cap space, and this position group needs it sorely.

Munford adds even more versatility as he played LT for a few seasons and voluntarily moved inside to guard this past season. It will be a battle for the LG spot, and that’s the way it should be.

 

DL:

Pass-rushing production:

51% pass rush win rate (2nd)

26.1% pressures (7th)

48 QB Hits / 62 QB hurries (T-13th)

39 sacks (T-11)

 

Run-stopping production:

31% run stop win rate (T-4)

4.1 yards per carry (T-5)

9 forced fumbles

 

Brian Burns, Hasson Reddick*, Derrick Brown, Morgan Fox, DaQuan Jones*, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquise Haynes*, Davion Nixon, Phil Hoskins, Bravvion Roy, Darryl Johnson, Austin Larkin, Frank Herron, Joe Jackson

Pass rushing was one of the core foundations of early success. Reddick and Haynes are among the most talented rushers in the room, and both could test the market.

The unit had a tough year once teams figured they could go jumbo and move the speedy edges.

 

Position grade: B

Need level: low

There is young talent in the group that needs playing experience. The group could use a retool to keep the speed on the field without sacrificing contain, but not a significant overhaul.

 

My Prediction:

 

The Panthers have agreed to terms with DE Marquis Haynes.

The group will need to retain one speedy guy. I doubt they will outbid Reddick suitors, as they use that cap space on more pressing needs.

Gross-Matos, Nixon, and Hoskins are given more snaps and the opportunity to start.

 

LB:

Pass defense production:

7 PBUs / 2 INTs

3.5 sacks

14 QB hits

 

Run defense production:

261 tackles / 20 TFL

1 fumble / 4 fumble recovers

 

Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter Jr*, Frankie Luvu, Julian Stanford*, Kamal Martin, Azur Kamara

Shaq Thompson had one of his best years as a pro, and free agent Jermaine Carter finished as a bit of a disappointment. 

Frankie Luvu was a firecracker all year on special teams and defense. He will probably be competing to start next year.

 

Position grade: C+

Need level: Moderate

With Carter Jr. likely testing free agency, the Panthers could use a young backer to develop.

 

My prediction:

 

The Panthers select LB JoJo Donmann in the 5th round.

Rhule looks to add more run and hit high motor guys, who can add a little versatility to the team. Keep an eye on names like Chad Muma and Jack Sanborn.

 

CB:

Pass coverage production:

25 PBUs / 5 INTs

1 sack

 

Run defense production:

247 tackles / 10 TFL

3 fumbles

 

Donte Jackson*, Stephon Gilmore*, Jaycee Horn, AJ Bouye, CJ Henderson, Keith Taylor, Rahsaan Melvin*, Myles Hartsfield, Stantley Thomas-Oliver, Troy Pride Jr

The cornerback spot is one of the strengths of a young defensive unit. There are two starting-caliber FAs in the group, but the team has a pair of first-round corners behind them.

They could also move a player here to recoup a day-three pick. Bouye will be a name to watch for that.

 

Position grade: A-

Need level: moderate

If Phil Snow plans to play a similar defensive scheme, there’s no secret that they need guys they can trust in man coverage.

You can’t let both Gilmore and Jackson walk and be an effective defense next year.

 

My prediction:

 

The Panthers have come to terms with CB Donte Jackson before entering free agency.

Agent Bus Cook was spotted weeks ago leaving the team offices. There are only two players on the team who has him as an agent: Cam Newton and Donte Jackson.

I don’t know that Carolina wants to get into a bidding war for an elite corner like Gilmore, not to mention they won’t have the means. Corner is absolutely something that needs to be addressed in free agency, though.

 

S:

Pass coverage production:

8 PBUs / 2 INTs

1 sack / 7 QB hits

 

Run defense production:

219 tackles / 8 TFL

1 fumble recovery

 

Jeremy Chinn, Juston Burris*, Sean Chandler*, Sam Franklin, Kenny Robinson

Chinn joined a young group of unheralded safeties after playing mostly an LB and nickel role his first season. 

The group played strong vs. the run and flew around most of the season but still lacks a true center-fielding safety, and it showed at times last season in coverage.

It’s possible that Chinn or Robinson eventually become that player.

 

Position grade: C

Need level: moderate

Burris is probably walking. They’ll need a guy that can start opposite Chinn.

 

My prediction:

The Carolina Panthers have signed former NFC South rival Jordan Whitehead to a four-year deal.

The Panthers select FAMU S Marquise Bell in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Whitehead wreaked havoc against the Panthers last year, and Todd Bowles’ defensive philosophy is as aggressive as they come.

A move like this might appear as a luxury, but a fast, intelligent physical safety is one of the final needs to have a complete defense.

Kenny Pickett 4MR Profile

2022 4MR Draft Profiles

Kenny Pickett (Quarterback #8)

6’3 220 lbs 

23 y/o Senior University of Pittsburgh

(Bob Donnan-USA Today Sports)

Games watched: CLEM(’20), FSU(’20), UMASS(’21), TEN(’21), CLEM(’21), WAKE(’21)

Summary:

Kenny Pickett is from Oakhurst, New Jersey, and attended Ocean Township High School. He was a three-star recruit in the 2017 class and heavily recruited.

He received 11 scholarship offers from the University of North Carolina, The University of Connecticut, Coastal Carolina University, Boston College, and Temple University. Pickett enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh on January 11th, 2017.

Pickett’s first game action would come as a freshman, playing in 4 games and starting in one. He would play well enough to be handed the reigns as a true sophomore.

In his first season as the full-time starter, Pickett would amass 1,969 passing yards, with 12 TDs and 6 interceptions. He would add 220 yards and three scores as a rusher.

Pickett started all but two contests the following season and contributed 3,098 passing yards, 13 TDs, and 9 interceptions. He gained 110 yards and scored three additional times, one being a receiving touchdown.

In the 2020 season, Pickett would play in only nine games. He threw for 2,408 yards, 13 TDs, and 9 interceptions. He also rushed for 8 touchdowns.

Players received an extra season of eligibility following the COVID-19 outbreak, and Pickett used this opportunity to have the best season of his collegiate career by far.

In 2021, Pickett played in 13 games and improved his production in every category as he threw for 4,319 yards, 42 TDs, and 7 interceptions. On the ground, he gained 233 yards and 5 scores.

His performance in 2021 obviously would lend him the national spotlight, as he took home the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the ACC Offensive player and Overall Player of the Year award. He would also finish 3rd in Heisman voting.

Pickett would participate in the ACC championship game, where his 253 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and 58 yard TD rush would lift the Pitt Panthers over Wake Forrest. He declared for the draft after their ACC victory.

Strengths:

  • Athlete who moves very well
  • Flashes some juice in the open field
  • Above-average arm strength
  • Drove throws much better in 2021 (mechanical improvement)
  • Shines in the middle of the field and intermediate throws
  • Pocket awareness might be best in the class
  • Talented thrower on the run

Weaknesses:

  • Velocity throws mostly intermediate
  • Deep ball can float on him at times
  • Can stare down the first read sometimes

Conclusion:

There is a valid argument for Pickett to be the first QB off the board, and he could easily have the fastest start to his career of all the rookies.

Pickett is an athlete who is pocket savvy and has some talent and burst as a runner, which will translate into the league. It’s an area of his game where he could lean on even more if he goes to a team that will have him start right away.

The jump Pickett made from 2020 to 2021 as a passer shows his willingness and attention to detail. That development has put him ahead of the curve as far as polish goes.

He improved his feet. When he has a solid base, velocity throws are better. His athleticism helps him set and move his base as needed. He also has off-script talent, so he can still get a good pass when he can’t set his feet perfectly.

Even with these improvements, he will need a coaching staff to help him stay on the right track. The off-platform throws are good, but he tends to fall away while throwing a pass.

The media made a big deal of his hand size. It’s a non-factor to me. 

The fit for Pickett is likely going to be a west coast styled offense. In this playstyle, he is given plenty of route patterns in the middle intermediate section of the field, which is his strength. This scheme also allows him to work outside of the pocket with designed rollouts.

Average performance grade: 66.9 / 100

Overall Grade: 5.55 (starter in 1-2 years)

Jameson Williams 4MR Profile

2022 4MR Draft Profiles, NFL Draft

By: Darion Collins

Jameson Williams (Wide Receiver #1)

6’2  189 lbs 

20 y/o Juinor Alabama

(Gary Crosby Jr, USA Today Sports)

SUMMARY: 

Williams hails from St. Louis, Missouri, where he made a name for himself, bringing in 104 receptions, 37 touchdowns, three special teams touchdowns, and over 2,500 yards in his last two seasons of high school. He also ran track and won back-to-back state titles in the 300-meter hurdles. 

He was named an Under Armour All-American, receiving offers from top schools in the country, including Ohio State University and the University of Alabama.

Williams decided to attend Ohio State out of high school, but after two seasons in Columbus, he transferred to Alabama. The Crimson Tide had lost four first-round receivers to the NFL Draft in just two years, and there was an opportunity for Williams to be next in line.

He took this opportunity and ran with it, literally. His receptions jumped from 9 to 79, yards from 154 to 1572, and TDs jumped from 2 to 15. He was named First-team All-SEC, SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year as a returner and gunner, and First-team All American.

STRENGTHS:

  • Game breaking speed
  • Destroys good angles regularly
  • Demands cushion
  • Demands safety attention
  • Route running 
  • Smooth in and out of breaks
  • Quick in and out of breaks
  • Toughness; Comfortable working over the middle of the field
  • Doesn’t shy away from contact, can make contested catches
  • Special teams ace; a threat to score from anywhere, can line up at any receiver position

WEAKNESSES:

  • Drops
  • Strength; can be disrupted by bigger, stronger guys

THE BOTTOM LINE:

In my opinion, without the ACL injury against Georgia in the National Championship Game, he’d be a lock for the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. 

I’m interested to see if he can come back the same or better. If he does, whoever lands him has a dynamic weapon for years to come.

OVERALL GRADE: 6.0 (Day 1 Solid Starter)

Malik Willis 4MR Profile

2022 4MR Draft Profiles, NFL Draft

By: JaDarius McCoy

Malik Willis (Quarterback #7)

6’0  220 lbs 

22 y/o Redshirt Junior Liberty

 

(Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)

Games watched: CAMP(‘21), OLE(‘21), TROY(‘21), SU(‘21), EMU(‘21), UMASS(‘21)

Summary: 

Malik Willis is from Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Westlake High School and graduated from Roswell High School in the 2017 class. Also a baseball player and a receiver on the gridiron, 247 Sports ranked Willis as a 3-star recruit, the 21st ranked athlete, and 32nd player in Georgia.

Willis Committed to Auburn University on December 30th, 2016. Willis played in 7 games and completed six passes for 45 yards and a passing touchdown as a true freshman. He also flashed his talent as a rusher, earning 221 yards on 16 attempts, with a 67 yard TD run.

In 2018, Willis played in 5 games and had 24 passing yards, 88 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. He decided to transfer to Liberty University and sat out the 2019 season.

As the Starter for the Flames, Willis played in 10 of 11 games and amassed 2,250 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Willis also rushed for 944 yards and 14 more rushing touchdowns.

His performance earned him the national spotlight, with spots on the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award watch list and CFPA National Performer of the Year Award Watch list.

For the 2021 season, Willis passed for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also added 878 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

Willis declared for the 2022 NFL Draft following a 289 yard 5 touchdown MVP performance in the Lending Tree bowl.

Strengths:

  • Explosive athlete
  • Makes tacklers whiff routinely in space
  • Flashes HR hitting speed
  • Exceptional arm strength and velocity
  • Routine hash-to-far-sideline throws on film
  • Attacks every level of the field
  • Touch throws on boundary flashes in film
  • Off-platform throws and arm angles of a baseball short-stop
  • Very little drop off in passing on the move

Weaknesses:

  • Pocket awareness/navigation
  • Bails on pocket instead of stepping up often
  • Anticipatory throws are few and far between in film
  • Decision making

Conclusion:

For a good reason, Malik Willis is one of the top 5 quarterbacks in his class. He offers a true dual-threat playstyle and is a Home-run threat via ground or air. 

Many scouts will question his ability to go through progressions, but there are examples of Willis’ head scanning both sides of the field on the same play, though it is not consistent. 

At times, he faced a ton of pressure and QB spies, limiting how thorough Willis could be while going through reads and potential escape lanes.

Willis will often bail on the play if he doesn’t like the look, which isn’t always a negative. However, he does miss opportunities to step up in the pocket, which would gain him more yardage in the air and on the ground.

Although he is a talented off-platform thrower, he would benefit from a consistent base, lending to more consistency.

Willis possesses the talent and skills to lead a franchise for years, but he will likely need to sit and ease into his starting role. A franchise that takes him will need to bet on their staff’s development acumen to reel in Willis’ aggressive playstyle and natural abilities.

Average Performance Grade: 86.3

Overall Grade: 5.50 (Starter within 1-2 years)

Roster Stock Report: Preseason week 3

Justifications with JaDarius

Tuesday is the faithful day where some good athletes get walking papers. But, conversely, roster long shots that caught the coaching staff’s attention will get no news, which is good news.

The players have submitted all the work. The ball is now in the court of Scott Fitterer and ultimately Matt Rhule, who has the final say in roster moves in Carolina.

Here’s a look at some of the highest risers in this final preseason week.

Offensive Preseason MVP:

  • Terrace Marshall Jr., WR

Defensive Preseason MVPs:

  • Sean Chandler, S
  • Frankie Luvu, LB

Lowest Fallers:

The interior OL had a rough outing in the third preseason game against the steelers. Paradis missed assignments and just had reps where the defender flat-out beat him. The issue is that he wasn’t facing the steelers’ best interior DL.

It takes the OL a little longer to get on the same page. It will be interesting to see if the Panthers will tweak the lineup. Paradis will make the team but will be a free agent in 2022.

 

The second OL unit did not fare much better than the first. Tecklenburg had some struggles as well.

He got beat on some pass-rushing reps. He didn’t look the best in space either. Tecklenburg is the only other listed center on the depth chart. The interior line still feels fluid apart from the starting center and right guard spots.

 

Thomas hasn’t played extensively in the preseason games. The coaches could be limiting his reps for the regular season. Even if that is the case, it doesn’t help that all the other backup TEs have been playing relatively well.

Thomas hasn’t shown that he is better than the backups at any singular skill. It might be best for both parties to part ways. Carolina would save 2 million against the cap, and the talented Thomas gets a fresh start.

 

Highest Risers:

Darnold saw his first action as the starter for the Panthers, and he showed promise.

Even with consistent pressure from the rush, Darnold showed poise and did not turn the ball over. He was decisive and did not pass on easy throws for harder ones. His feet looked much more disciplined as well.

He laid any QB 1 debate to rest. The Panthers are rolling with Darnold for 2021.

 

Miller was lauded last season as the type of player that Rhule wants on the team. So it came as no surprise that the team would bring him back in free agency.

On a night where the interior was roughed up, Miller was the best OL on the team. He did his job on stunts and nullified rushers in a 1v1 situation. As a result, he’s likely going to retain his starting spot at right guard.

 

Tremble has done a bit of everything at the TE spot all camp. However, the most important thing he has done all camp was proving his worth as a receiver.

Tremble showed excellent concentration, reeling in a seam shot that was ricocheted around. He has also consistently turned a check-down into a first-down when targeted in the flat. The rookie should be battling for the TE 2 spot if he hasn’t secured it already.

 

The Panthers traded a conditional 7th round pick to the Giants for Santoso just one day before the final preseason game. However, the coaches believed he showed enough to win the kicking competition.

Santoso made FGs of 52 and 27 yards and made all three of his extra-point attempts. It will remain to be seen if the release of Joey Slye was a rushed decision. For now, though, Santoso is the only kicker on the roster.

 

Hartsfield is the highest riser this week.

The box score will show one tackle and one pass deflection, but it won’t show that his reps came with the first and second-team defense. This is a huge change from his 4th string spot on the depth chart.

He has the ability to play safety and nickel corner. He could be in the discussion to occupy the Nickelback role until AJ Bouye returns from suspension.