2 Breakout Players for 2010

[Achilles]

Offensively, I think Moore and Barnidge will become breakout players. For Moore that means wins more than stats (but his stats were pretty good last season). For Barnidge that means yards and touchdowns. The thing that Barnidge has is that he has the sharpness of a WR in his game, but the size of a TE. Great hands...can get open deep...and Moore likes to throw to him. Sets up a good match-up against nearly any defense.

Defensively, I'm going to go with Sharrod Martin and Everette Brown as breakout players. These were excellent recent draft picks and I think this is the season we begin to see that pay off. Martin must become a constant disruption in the secondary. I thought he showed more potential than Godfrey when he played last year. Brown is going to be expected to be a leader both of men and in terms of stats. Sacks and forced fumbles have to come from somewhere, and he's the "where."

The only other thing that needs to be said is that these picks are made with the understanding that if these players DO NOT have break-out seasons, it will be a very long and painful season. Somebody in the passing game and the pass rush need to catch fire for this to be a winning season. Barnidge and Brown or WHO?????

[Doyle]

In 2 seasons Stewart has 1,969 yards rushing and 20 rushing touchdowns with a 4.9 yard rushing average. He lead the team in rushing last year.

I think he already dun gone an broke out just a lil bit.

I was thinking the same thing. Like we don't know Stewarts potential yet.

[pantherfan49]

All of the unjustified hype over Edwards will subside by week 3 or 4 of the regular season. He will probably do quite well in preseason against sub-par competition and vanilla defenses, but the learning curve from college to the NFL is very steep for WRs and you must think it will be even steeper for a college QB transitioning to the WR position in the NFL. Everyone keeps comparing him to SS. Well SS didn't do much in his rookie year. Edwards won't either.

[MadHatter]

All of the unjustified hype over Edwards will subside by week 3 or 4 of the regular season. He will probably do quite well in preseason against sub-par competition and vanilla defenses, but the learning curve from college to the NFL is very steep for WRs and you must think it will be even steeper for a college QB transitioning to the WR position in the NFL. Everyone keeps comparing him to SS. Well SS didn't do much in his rookie year. Edwards won't either.

I think Edwards will have a solid season in the slot....but will provide his spark this first season as a return man.

[panthers55]

All of the unjustified hype over Edwards will subside by week 3 or 4 of the regular season. He will probably do quite well in preseason against sub-par competition and vanilla defenses, but the learning curve from college to the NFL is very steep for WRs and you must think it will be even steeper for a college QB transitioning to the WR position in the NFL. Everyone keeps comparing him to SS. Well SS didn't do much in his rookie year. Edwards won't either.

Smith was almost totally special teams his rookie year and went to the pro-bowl. Exactly how is that "not doing much".

[pantherfan49]

Smith was almost totally special teams his rookie year and went to the pro-bowl. Exactly how is that "not doing much".

That was clearly referencing his production as a WR where he caught 10 passes and zero TDs as a rookie.

Edwards didn't return kicks in college, whereas Smitty did. I just don't see Edwards doing much as a rookie whether that being on STs or as a WR. The talent is there, no doubt, but it takes time for most of your "speedy" type players to transition into the NFL. Hell Mike Goodson, at times, looked like a world beater (minus the fumbling issue) in preseason last year but then didn't see the field in the regular season.

[panthers55]

That was clearly referencing his production as a WR where he caught 10 passes and zero TDs as a rookie.

Edwards didn't return kicks in college, whereas Smitty did. I just don't see Edwards doing much as a rookie whether that being on STs or as a WR. The talent is there, no doubt, but it takes time for most of your "speedy" type players to transition into the NFL. Hell Mike Goodson, at times, looked like a world beater (minus the fumbling issue) in preseason last year but then didn't see the field in the regular season.

Really Edward's success will be function of how many opportunitites he has this year. I think he may not end up being our return guy if we decide to keep Gettis. It is hard to say what Edwards will do. When Smith was a rookie it wasn't under Fox and Davidson. So how Smith did a decade ago as a rookie is hardly similar to how we may use Edwards. I expect we will use some trick plays and wildcat with Edwards as well as use him as a slot receiver. I can't wait to see him in preseason and at training camp and judge for myself what he brings to the table.

[nosuchthingasapanther]

while the past 2 seasons have looked promising, stewart's been held back from playing to his full potential due to pain.

we have yet to see what he can do when healthy and a full season in a lead role.

as good as he looks, his break out has yet to happen.

[CarolinaKat]

Edwards & Norwood-Rookies

Jarrett & Marshall-Vets

[davos]

I'm hoping David Gettis and Greg Hardy surprise everyone this year.

The more I read about Gettis, the more I think he could be great. Its easy to throw out a Marques Colston type line, but he could be that major late round sleeper. He's got size, speed, & versatility.