#2 WR Question

[Montsta]

I see everyone is more or less in agreement that we need a #2 receiver. My question is this:

Is anybody else worried that while we are looking to draft our #2, we also need to find our future #1? Now before I get ripped a new one just hear me out.

The chances of us drafting a WR that makes a considerable impact his first year are slim to none. Receivers not named Andre or Calvin Johnson typically take around 3 years to really break out. Combine that with a possible lockout in '11, and it could take longer. I LOVE me some Steve Smith, but let's not kid ourselves when it comes to the production and deep threat ability of a 35+ year old WR.

[capfolly]

Be nice if we drafted a #2 that later becomes a #1 caliber WR if the need arises.

[Swarly]

still have a few years before we need to start worrying about that.

[CRA]

I see everyone is more or less in agreement that we need a #2 receiver. My question is this:

Is anybody else worried that while we are looking to draft our #2, we also need to find our future #1? Now before I get ripped a new one just hear me out.

The chances of us drafting a WR that makes a considerable impact his first year are slim to none. Receivers not named Andre or Calvin Johnson typically take around 3 years to really break out. Combine that with a possible lockout in '11, and it could take longer. I LOVE me some Steve Smith, but let's not kid ourselves when it comes to the production and deep threat ability of a 35+ year old WR.

realistically, we should be worried about replacing Smitty. It takes years before a WR really becomes a NFL caliber WR......so we should be looking for Smith's replacement. However, the Panthers never found Moose's replacement when he left for Chicago and that is why we are in such a tough spot.

[CRA]

still have a few years before we need to start worrying about that.

you don't look to replace a #1 through the draft when he is on the downside of his career.

[Montsta]

still have a few years before we need to start worrying about that.

That is exactly what got me thinking. I thought the same thing until I started thinking that best case scenario, we've got another legit WR in 3 years, and by that time, where will Smitty be? I know he's a god amongst mere mortals, but by the time our #2 (hopefully) develops into a #1, we will be in the same situation we are in now.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Hmm...gonna disagree here. Don't intentionally look for a guy who can be a #2 and then become a number #1. If they find one, great. But, as long as you make your intent to find someone who can be an excellent career second option at reciever, you leave your future a little more flexible and open.

Here, think about it. We draft someone to become our secondary recieving option and nothing more, and he is damn good at what we want him to do. Smith and Future Number Two Guy (FNTG) are starters. An entire season goes by with the tandem working well together in our rush first scheme. Then, next draft, we find Smitty's replacement and name him the #3 guy. FNTG already has a year under his belt, and Future Number One Guy (FNOG) starts his training. Next season, regardless of who is the head coach, Smith and FNTG are still the starters, but in reversed roles. FNTG is now you're number one option, with Smith in the role of back up and FNOG in the slot role. Go through that season and hope that things go well. If they do, then JACKPOT! The next season, Smith moves to the slot role and FNTG and FNOG move into their respective roles. Now, most teams will expect the main recieving threat to be FNTG due to his two years of starting experience. They'll also put extra attention on Smith when he is on the field due to his past awsomeness. But, FNOG is basically ignored because of his lack of experience. IF he turns out to be something special, that's when it will happen, when he has little coverage and experienced competent second and third options behind him.

Yeah, I know, the Panthers don't have this strategery in place and that is not how things are gonna work out. But you can't tell me it doesn't at least look good on paper.

[Brooklyn Bully]

I'll worry about Smitty in four years...when he's Hines Ward's age. If we can draft a solid #2, he can take over #1 in about two years and Smitty can slide to #2. Meanwhile let's get a #3 that will be there with both of them the entire ride.

[CRA]

I'll worry about Smitty in four years...when he's Hines Ward's age. If we can draft a solid #2, he can take over #1 in about two years and Smitty can slide to #2. Meanwhile let's get a #3 that will be there with both of them the entire ride.

Smith will be 31 this season. 4 years put him at 35. He will age quickly the next 4 years. Hines Ward is a completely different WR than Smitty.....Smith is much more explosive and relies on that.....and as he gets older that part of his game will be effected. Hines imo has some similar aspects as Moose...which has allowed both to do what they do for so long. Agility and explosiveness don't age well in the NFL for WRs.

[DynastyRTR]

you don't look to replace a #1 through the draft when he is on the downside of his career.

this..If Jarrett has a breakout year then he's the future #1. I think a WR should be drafted to possibly be the future #1, give Jarrett competition, and if Jarrett is next year what he has been before the end of last season, this year's #2

[Swarly]

I can see us trading up when there is a true #1 WR available(ie, not this year.)

[Azteca]

Last year I think during that "Passionate Panther" interview smitty said realistically speaking he probably only has 3-4 years left. He needs burner speed and when that goes he's screwed

[Montsta]

I suppose that there is a case to be made for picking up some proven players through FA at certain times. Takes the guesswork and developmental stages out of the equation.

I'm all for drafting our next WR, but I also feel like a huge missing price for us is a #2 WR. We have a good young squad, but I think our championship window may be closed for a little while by the time our drafted WR becomes a true NFL talent.

I'm not saying we should go pick up T.O. or Marshall, but I'd hate for us to be "on the cusp" during the time it takes a rookie to develop.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Smith will be 31 this season. 4 years put him at 35. He will age quickly the next 4 years. Hines Ward is a completely different WR than Smitty.....Smith is much more explosive and relies on that.....and as he gets older that part of his game will be effected. Hines imo has some similar aspects as Moose...which has allowed both to do what they do for so long. Agility and explosiveness don't age well in the NFL for WRs.

Which is why I said in TWO years he becomes our #2. My point is that he has a long life left in the NFL, he'll just have to change his game. He may be short, but he'll be able to catch no matter what role he has to fill.