Journal #32: Baker in Blue

It would have been unreasonable for the Carolina Panthers to select a Quarterback with their round one pick since this year's Quarterback pool is not as strong as in years past. The pick up of N.C. State Ickey Ikwonu was the right move for the Panthers. But the question Panthers fans are asking is, "Who is Ikwonu going to be blocking for?" Surely Panther's fans are not happy with the team for giving up three draft picks, including this year's second-round pick, for Sam Darnold. With a fourth-round, two fifth, a sixth, and a seventh-round pick, the possibility of drafting a quality quarterback is slim to none. 

Since Cam Newton was released before the 2019 season, the Carolina Panthers have won just five games in each of the following seasons and finished last in their division in two of those three seasons. So it's time for Carolina to consider picking up a new quarterback. Unfortunately, day two of the draft will be uneventful for the Carolina Panthers since they traded away their second and third-round picks. By the time their name is called again in the fourth-round, the top quarterbacks in this draft will have been picked up. Unless Sam Howell (UNC), Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), or Matt Corral (Ole Miss) drops significantly, it will not make sense for the Panthers to pick up a quarterback. 

Here's where I believe the Panthers will find the most value out of their fourth-round picks this year. Trade them to Cleveland and get Baker Mayfield to Charlotte. If you disagree, name me two players the Panthers could pick up in the fourth-round that will be as impactful as Baker? I'll wait.

Many will not like this take, but seriously, you have to replace Sam Darnold if you want to win football games. Baker receives a lot of heat (in my best Stephen A. Smith impression) but let me remind you, in three seasons with three different coaches, BAKER MAYFIELD MADE THE CLEVELAND BROWNS A PLAYOFF WINNING TEAM!!! Last season he was hurt and STILL managed to give the Cleveland Browns their fourth best season since the turn of the century. 

If you believe that Sam Darnold could win more games for the Carolina Panthers than Baker Mayfield could give me a call. I'll set you up with my therapist because you need help. If he performs well, resign him! He's in the last year of his contract, and if there is anything I know about Baker, he will stay where he is wanted. Next year's draft has a decent quarterback class if he doesn't perform well. 

Carolina. Get Baker Mayfield. Sit that nerd Sam Darnold on the bench where he belongs. ​