Drafting/signing a WR this offseason...

[hepcat]

I don't know where this is coming from. WR is one of the most stacked positions on the Panthers roster right now. Besides David Gettis getting injured, they stayed relatively healthy and put up solid numbers. We all know Steve Smith is getting to the age where his production might start to fall off, but this season showed no indication of that.

I've always been one to believe that the WR's are products of the QB play and I don't think you have to look any further than the difference in WR production from 2010 to 2011 to see that. Or better yet, compare the Colts WR's stats from 2010 with Peyton Manning to 2011 without. This bodes well for whoever is catching passes from Cam.

2013's first round pick would be an ideal time to draft a game-breaker WR to pair with Cam for the next decade and be the heir to Steve Smith. There are too many more glaring needs to justify drafting a WR at all this offseason. With Gettis coming back from injury, Pilares destined to get more time, and Lafell coming into his own, maybe even bringing Naanee back, there is plenty of young talent already on the roster.

[OneBadassCat]

I don't really want us to draft a top WR or sign a top FA WR either but I think the issue is that we are not far off from not having anything at WR. Gettis is returning from injury, who knows if he ends up like Thomas Davis. Smith has had bouts of injury in the past. So it's possible that LaFell could be the only consistent weapon we have next year.

I know guys don't like to think in terms of injuries. But I know for myself and many others that being a fan of this team means dealing with team hindering injuries every year. I wouldn't mind us signing a mid-tier WR for depth.

I'm reluctant to draft a top WR because I fear it would push Gettis and Lafell down the depth chart and throw off their development. I firmly believe that they can be special. They might be the picks that save Hurney's job.

[tondi]

I think if we decide to pick a WR in the draft it should be in the 1st round or not at all. We don't need another mid round guy added to a roster full of mid round guys. Similarly, if we have the opportunity to bring in an excellent FA receiver then we should definitely consider it but no more journeymen, please.

[mwright350]

I really think the only way we pick up a rookie WR is if Blackmon falls to us - at which point he should be BPA and we'd take him. Other than that I don't expect to see a new "name" receiver here.

I wouldn't mind seeing some FA depth there but there are positions we have a more immediate need for which will almost certainly be addressed first. With our cap shaping up like it is I'm confident we'll make room for what we need but WR might be a luxury we don't look into this year.

[DaCityKats]

LA was on a 1 year contract, Gettis is coming off an acl injury, Edwards does not produce, Seyi might not be back as well as Adams. After Smith and Lafell we dont know what we have actually.

[The Huddler]

I dont see a problem with picking up Alshon with our 2nd pick.

[CRA]

coming from the fact we just signed what appears to be our franchise QB. If he is what we expect him to be......Carolina needs to find HIS go to elite WR he will build his career with.

Looking to replace Smitty when his wheels fall off and is no longer a #1 or gets hurt....is too late to start the search. Can't expect to find a diamond in the rough. Need to at some point, make an effort to go get that future stud. Also need to realize that like a Steve Smith it could take a couple years before he is a one man wrecking crew.

[CPF4LIFE]

I understand what your saying but at the end of the day this is all real easy to say as long as Steve Smith stays healthy. A 30 some year old wide receiver thats getting close to his time as a top player being over gets hurt a now we are scratching our heads in the middle of making a push to contend for a superbowl. If Smitty was a little bit younger this wouldnt be a big issue to worry about but he is not and we would be in trouble with our offense already stalling in games it would get worse without smitty (we are gonna have to throw the ball to win). WR is not at all a bigger issue than the defense but taking one (only in the 1st round) would not be a bad thing for this team not matter how u wanna try to justify it would be. Far as me, i would be fine with any direction they choose.

[scarface]

would love to sign V.Jax or Bowe.

I dont see a problem with picking up Alshon with our 2nd pick.

Broyles, Toon, Sanu, Dwight Jones are more likely to be there in the second round than Jeffery.

[hepcat]

The Panthers led in 14 out of 16 games this year. Scoring was not an issue. What was an issue was defending the lead in the 4th quarter. Drafting a WR would be a complete waste of a pick, even if Blackmon fell. After seeing what the Saints did in Week 17 (I know most of the starting defense was out), there is a critical need for help. First round pick should be BPA at LB, CB, DT or DE. I'm all in favor of a first round WR in 2013.

[bleys]

when you guys think of our offense, it may help to stop thinking in terms of what your WR depth chart looks like..

instead, take a second to look at our offensive weapons (targets).. Smitty, Gettis, LaFell, Olsen, Shockey, DWill, Stew would be the 1st tier.

unless you want to replace our up and coming receivers with rookies or our up and coming receivers for old vets (without spending a good chunk of our cap on another receiving option), then what exactly are we talking about?

[1989]

All I see is an upgrade over Legatron....perhaps keep him, get rid of Armanti and draft a better returning WR in a later round.

[CRA]

The Panthers led in 14 out of 16 games this year. Scoring was not an issue. What was an issue was defending the lead in the 4th quarter. Drafting a WR would be a complete waste of a pick, even if Blackmon fell. After seeing what the Saints did in Week 17 (I know most of the starting defense was out), there is a critical need for help. First round pick should be BPA at LB, CB, DT or DE. I'm all in favor of a first round WR in 2013.

ever heard the expression if you aren't getting better you are getting worse?

what happens if next season the injury bug visits the offense? Smitty is getting older....let's say he goes down week 1? Bottom line is Carolina has to begin the process of replacing Smitty's role. It could take years to develop the kid into being a true #1. A lot of the great WRs didnt' come out of the gate like Randy Moss....takes a couple years to groom them.

I'm in favor of going BPA and prefering that be a defensive guy....but if Blackmon falls and is BPA I think you HAVE to take him. Might not have a WR of his caliber fall in your lap in the next few drafts.

[bleys]

ever heard the expression if you aren't getting better you are getting worse?

what happens if next season the injury bug visits the offense? Smitty is getting older....let's say he goes down week 1? Bottom line is Carolina has to begin the process of replacing Smitty's role. It could take years to develop the kid into being a true #1. A lot of the great WRs didnt' come out of the gate like Randy Moss....takes a couple years to groom them.

I'm in favor of going BPA and prefering that be a defensive guy....but if Blackmon falls and is BPA I think you HAVE to take him. Might not have a WR of his caliber fall in your lap in the next few drafts.

how's that work if we ignore our defense?