The next Steve Smith?

[hepcat]

As Panther fans, we all know Steve Smith is one of the best players to ever play in the NFL. He has single handedly won more games for the Panthers than you can count on your hands. But he turned 30 this year, an age that tends to mark the effects of aging catching up with an NFL reciever. While he definently has a few great years left, my question is, is there a reciever, in college or in the NFL right now, with the potential to be the next Steve Smith? It's hard to say, but I think Desean Jackson of the Eagles is very close to the same mold as Smith. Undersized, but with blistering speed and a chip on his shoulder. He had a great first season, despite making some rookie mistakes. I know Smith is a one and only, but just for fun, I like to compare players that might be the "next" one.

[dpanthersman]

hard to say. personally i think k. moore has the potential to develop into a starter. and his mentor is steve smith.

[OneBadassCat]

hard to say. personally i think k. moore has the potential to develop into a starter. and his mentor is steve smith.

True but I'm not sure if Moore has the raw talent that Desaun Jackson or Steve Smith have in terms speed and accelerating.

I think Yamon Figurs is a Smitty clone physically but he doesn't cut it as a WR.

[Woodcookedbbq]

This thread makes me feel old.

We should have a few more good years of Steve Smith. But, I'm hope Moore or Jarrett can step up to the plate.

[jasonluckydog]

Ryne Robinson.

[Peppa Jack Supreme]

DeSean Jackson was a high 2nd round pick. Him killing it shouldnt be a surprise.

[ant2125]

Jackson is a good comparison to Smith. As far as the Panthers are concerned they need to address the receiver position in the next year or so because they do not have any one with the skill set of Smith on the team right now.

[Peppers90 NC]

Jackson is a good comparison to Smith. As far as the Panthers are concerned they need to address the receiver position in the next year or so because they do not have any one with the skill set of Smith on the team right now.

When I watched him the other night, I saw a lil Smitty in him, they play very similar. Jackson is further advanced than SMith at this point, but still has a ways to go to catch up. Have to see him go up way in the air and take balls from defenders, which is one thing that makes Smith Smith and not S Moss.

[Captroop]

I think the next Steve Smith, and it pains me to say this, is in Tampa Bay. Sammie Stroughter. He's a rookie wide receiver out of Oregon State. I've been keeping an eye on him ever since I saw him making circus catches in a Matt Moore highlight tape. He's small and lightning fast, and a special teams return ace. He returned a punt for a touchdown last week. Sound familiar?

But he is a late round pick and has a season-ending injury blemishing his college record. And there is a chance he won't stick, or gets released in a few years. If so, I pray that we grab him.

[MadHatter]

Ryne Robinson.

Rhyne Robinson...the next Steve Smith? I don't think so. He is probably not even going to make the 53 man squad. He had been outplayed by Moore for the 4th WR spot.

[Sam Mills Fan]

TO is 35 years old and still plays at a very high level. This is a premature thread if I've ever seen one.

[XxDeputyxX]

TO is 35 years old and still plays at a very high level. This is a premature thread if I've ever seen one.

I agree with this ^^. But to answer the question. I don't think there will ever be another Steve Smith. I think he'll go down in history of the types as John Elway, Emmit Smith and Reggie White. Dont' get me wrong, they'll be plenty of great players that'll come through and may show some flashes of Steve Smith, but I don't believe anyone will be classified as "another Steve Smith".

[OneBadassCat]

TO is 35 years old and still plays at a very high level. This is a premature thread if I've ever seen one.

I agree. Lets not factor Smith's age until he starts to show it. Hell Galloway is a speed demon was effective well into his 30's. But I don't think there will be another S. Smith. There will be people as fast as him, maybe be faster and there will be guys that are his height and weight, but no one plays the game like Smith does. When Smith catches the ball he becomes a RB like a bat out of hell and will not go down at all costs. No one but him does that. He is a hell of blocker as well and is extremely loyal to this franchise. The combination of will, raw speed, elusiveness, great hands, and clutch play making ability make Smith truly unique.

The man can score nearly at will as we have seen over the years(The punt return for a TD in the 05 NFCCG comes to mind). Lets respect that his ability cannot be easily replaced, if at all.

But I do believe that there will be Smitty light versions around the league, actually plenty of those are around. However I guess we can all hope that K. Moores become the next S. Smith after all he has the opportunity to learn from the best himself. But it would take a tremendous amount of work. He would have to get faster. But the tools are there for him already to be a good WR.

[Fiz]

just so everyone knows at his worst Steve Smith is Hines Ward so we'll be okay