Shaq Thompson/Thomas Davis

[Hurricane Ditka]

I own Thompson and Davis. Is now a good time to sell high on Davis? What will Thompson's role be in the defense next year?

Can anybody provide any insight on how this situation plays out???

[bruiser]

Yeah, I would have sold Davis last offseason... so I'd still advocate the same here. His value is a function of time remaining (not much).

[FiremanEd]

I agree. If you can get out on Davis for something, it's probably the time. I love him and think he's awesome, but he's not young and he's only going to trend down from here.

Shaw Thompson I'm unsure of. Hopefully TD is mentoring him and he can slowly increase his reps. Not sure he can ever be the playmaker he was in college, nor am I sure he's a top volume tackle guy. He intrigues me though. I'd hold on him and see how it plays out, noting he's staying behind Luke and TD for the short-term, as both those guys are 3-down players and elite.

[Coogan Football]

Yeah, I would have sold Davis last offseason... so I'd still advocate the same here. His value is a function of time remaining (not much).

x2, with Davis' injury history and age I bet the cliff is fast approaching

[bruiser]

To add to this: I am a big believer in Shaq Thompson (made in the mold of Lavonte David). Thomas Davis has been singing his praises as a hybrid type WLB of the near future. His versatility as a converted safety will make him very productive and valuable in a 3-down role behind a stout front four. I could see TD deciding to retire this year if the Panthers win it all.

[dlf_tomk]

As with the others Thomas Davis is very likely to move into the complementary rle next year. wouldn't be surprised if it's similar to Jerod May in NE in 2015 [ie 35% of snaps-ish]

Although looking at his contract there s a ton of dead money for him for the next 2 years. Cant see him going anywhere

[FiremanEd]

Why would Thomas Davis take a back seat next year though? He is performing at an elite level. I think 2017 is when you see him start to step back, though I agree Thompson will get more PT next year. I just don't know if the team hurts their on field just to force integrate him more. 35% snaps for TD though is just not happening IMO.

[dlf_tomk]

Sorry - not trying to say Thomas Davis gets a huge hit in playing time. I just think that the regime will naturally want Shaq Thompson to seize a bigger role.

Shaq played 373 snaps last year compared to 1,073 for TD. Kuechly played 848 but was obviously hit by injury. Makes sense for a squad for that to be as flat as possible assuming there isn't a huge dropoff in quality. By PFF numbers Shaq was a better run defender than TD so I think he'll start to take more snaps.

[bruiser]

so, how do we feel about the immortal Thomas Davis this offseason?

[lukkynumber13]

so, how do we feel about the immortal Thomas Davis this offseason?

At some point, you gotta give in to Father Time. Unless you're james Harrison

[dlf_tomk]

Well I was pretty far off in the offseason so I'm not sure I want to go out on a limb here...

If I had to bet it's an even rotation. With AJ Klein stirred in too.

If I have to have a Panthers LB though Im shopping for Kuechly and hoping for a concussion-fears discount

[lukkynumber13]

Well I was pretty far off in the offseason so I'm not sure I want to go out on a limb here...

If I had to bet it's an even rotation. With AJ Klein stirred in too.

If I have to have a Panthers LB though Im shopping for Kuechly and hoping for a concussion-fears discount

AJK is an UFA, I doubt he re-signs to be a backup

[dlf_tomk]

Gah! Good point. This is why I hate trying to predict anything before free agency. It changes teams so much more than we tend to think.

I think the commentators said during the AFC game at the weekend that 30 men on the Pats roster weren't there for the 2024 title. And that's a settled roster

[lukkynumber13]

Haha yup! Agreed. Free agency is huge when it comes to LBs and DBs

[bruiser]

I also believe that AJK is a starter. We shall see....