Schefter: Panthers Believe Lafell "poised For A Breakout"

[mr beauxjangles]

Per Rotoworld:

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers "really like" third-year WR Brandon LaFell and believe he's "poised for a breakout."

Some observers have pointed to David Gettis' return from a torn ACL as reason to think Carolina is comfortable at receiver, but LaFell's expanded role might mean more inside the organization. The Panthers have made no attempt to re-sign free agent Legedu Naanee. LaFell, who played behind Naanee for most of last season, flashed big-play ability while leading the team in "catch rate" (64.3 percent) and averaging 17 yards per reception.

Original ESPN article:

Q: Do you think there is a possibility that the Carolina Panthers could trade up in the draft to go after Justin Blackmon? I know defense is a huge concern and rightly so, but a receiver like Blackmon to pair with Cam Newton and Steve Smith seems like it could be worth giving up a second-round pick for.

-- Jeff (North Dakota)

A: Don't see it, Jeff. If Blackmon managed to slip to Carolina's turn, it would have to be interested. But Carolina really likes Brandon LaFell and the Panthers believe he's poised for a breakout. It doesn't mean they're not interested in adding more receivers. It just means it's hard to see them trading up in Round 1 to get one.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

LaFell did amazing things in his limited touches last season.. I hope this is a case of more is better...and Gettis healthy..hopefully.

[BeasonBeastingBacks]

I BELIEVE

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

I'm fine with not addressing WR till' the 4th because of LaFell and Gettis. Don't sleep on Pilares either. I think we wait another season to address the wide receiver position in hopes that Smith performs this season and the rest of our WR core continues to develop.

[bigdog10]

If i'm not mistaken, wasn't Rivera and Chud pretty rough on both Gettis and Lafell in the pre-season last year?

It wasawesome to see Lafell respond with solid play. I swear it seemed like he caught everything thrown his way and he did an awesome job blocking (go back and watch the tape of the redskins game when Cam had his 25 yard scramble at the start of the game. Key in on Laron Landry and watch Lafell decleat him to spring Cam for another 15 yards)

[Argus Plexus]

They believe what I believe, then.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

Pilares has been a forgotten piece that could bring some dividens in 2012...

[fieryprophet]

If i'm not mistaken, wasn't Rivera and Chud pretty rough on both Gettis and Lafell in the pre-season last year?

It wasawesome to see Lafell respond with solid play. I swear it seemed like he caught everything thrown his way and he did an awesome job blocking (go back and watch the tape of the redskins game when Cam had his 25 yard scramble at the start of the game. Key in on Laron Landry and watch Lafell decleat him to spring Cam for another 15 yards)

That was a sweet hit. LaFell's blocking is really underrated as well, he seems to relish shoving defenders around for a change.

[FugginPoo]

Lafell dat deal

[csx]

I'm not sure where the view that generally said WR take several years to develop went but that would put him just on track. Pilares will take another season or two if he's got it.

[FugginPoo]

cut Armanti Edwards

[Munch4455]

I think it would be a mistake to draft a WR at 9 this year, especially given the potential we have at WR already. If these guys don't pan out, we can still get a very good WR in next years draft around the 20th pick. No need to waste #9 on a position that we could very well be set at.

[Mr.Ponche]

Lafell looked good every time he was on the field last season. If Gettis has any impact at all offensively,we are plenty talented enough at WR. A good showing by Pilares would be icing on the cake. Draft defense first,OL in the latter rounds.

[CardiacCats]

Does anyone follow him on instagram on twitter? You need to if you don't, he's hilarious. He posted a pic of the gloves the other day and said "EVERYTIME I GET IN DA ZONE U GONNA SEE DIS."