Just how good can Greg Hardy be?

[koolkatluke]

Still very young and hasn't come close to his prime yet. I also saw a little emotional leader in him leading up to the 2nd Falcon game. I think if he develops that he could be the leader we wanted to see from J pep.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/draft-2009/04/28/2010/index.html

Interesting link on Hardy before he was drafted. Had him listed as the #1 prospect in 2010 and mentioned his "unlimited potential."

I think Hardy really benefitted from adding that extra muscle mass in the off-seaosn and is just now coming into his own. The dude plays with a mean streak that was much needed on this defense and is relentless as a football player. We need to lock him up long-term because a trio of CJ, Hardy, and Alexander could potentially be one of the best in the league if we can sure up the middle with another interior defensive linemen...potentially at our 14 spot this year.

Still kicking myself for not getting a picture with him when I had the chance.

[jtm]

Lets settle down a bit, Hardy has had one year and several bad years. Plus, he wants to box people and drive 100 mph. I think he has potential, but lets have some consistency first before we crown him.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

Pretty sure I remember him being projected as 1-2nd round potential, but fell due to injury and motor concerns, neither of which seem to be a problem as of yet. Hopefully we can get this guy a long term deal and keep Johnson.

he was seriously SI's #1 overall pick in a mock they did in 2009 for the 2010 draft

http://sportsillustr...2010/index.html

edit: already posted disregard

[CPF4LIFE]

Lets settle down a bit, Hardy has had one year and several bad years. Plus, he wants to box people and drive 100 mph. I think he has potential, but lets have some consistency first before we crown him.

Uh.....he is only 3 years in the league, he had a pretty good rookie year for a rotational player, he took lumps his second year as a starter and took full control his 3rd year. I think he is doing well for the path he has been on and he makes league minimum money so I think he is aware of whats at stake in his career but i do agree consistency is important and he will get better.

[beastson]

Lets settle down a bit, Hardy has had one year and several bad years. Plus, he wants to box people and drive 100 mph. I think he has potential, but lets have some consistency first before we crown him.

Several bad years? Last year was his 3rd season. He literally followed in C.J exact steps

[carolina-chuck]

At one time he was considered a top 10 pick

[CatMan72]

He can be the best in the league.

[SmashNDash]

Lets settle down a bit, Hardy has had one year and several bad years. Plus, he wants to box people and drive 100 mph. I think he has potential, but lets have some consistency first before we crown him.

Several bad years?!?!? So a rookie year behind Brayton and on the worst team in the NFL, still managed 3 sacks and didn't start. His second year, he had 4 sacks and 11 pass deflections and was a starter. This year he put on strenght and had 11 sacks....please list the "several years" he was "bad"? The kid is 24 years old.

[iamhubby1]

Hardy's has developed into a versatile DLman. If he can maintain his growth, his level of play is limitless. His ability to play inside as well is enormous. And not just on passing downs. Hopefully Gettlemen will be able to keep this kid around.

Alexander is looking like he has the talent to also play inside as well. Teamed with Hardy and CJ these three are as good as any trio in the league. Add another talented DLman this year, and we very well could be one of the top groups in the league for years to come.

Hardy's and Alexander's ability to slide inside is a major reason I could see us taking a DE int he draft. A pass rushing end would give us one formtable front four. Hellz, I would even take an OLB that can rush the passer. Although that would have to be after the second round.

With our inexperienced secondary, having a good pass rush is extremely important. At least in my minds eye anywho. We are pretty darn good now. Add a good DE, and we are very good.

[jtm]

Several bad years? Last year was his 3rd season. He literally followed in C.J exact steps

Using the word "bad years" was not the best term - I'll amend to say 2 average years and 1 good year. My reaction was based on the first couple posts that made comparisons to Peppers and said losing Hardy would be "one of the biggest mistakes ever."

I like Hardy and think he has a ton of potential, but I'm not ready to give him the keys to the city after one good year; we did this fir CJ and overpaid.

I get the Peppers hate, but the constant comparisons to Peppers are off base. As a reminder, Peppers had 12 sacks his rookie year. Time has a way of letting us forget just how dominant Peppers was.

[CollegePanther]

I'm sure he'll have at-least 25 sacks since it's contract year.

[jtm]

I'm sure he'll have at-least 25 sacks since it's contract year.

Lets hope, but he likely get a lot more attention this year and double teams.

[CollegePanther]

Lets hope, but he likely get a lot more attention this year and double teams.

They can't double team him and CJ