Panthers sign Hixon

[rayzor]

And Ginn and Hixon is a hell of a lot better baseline than we even had just last year. It is looking like we are primed to take a WR at 14

yep, but you could just as well say we're primed to take DT, CB, S, or even RG at that point. the wise thing to do is not really rule any of those positions out or even DE out. with the exception of QB and maybe some kicker or long snapper, you've got to be open to just about anything. there are no absolutes. if you want to narrow the list of possibles down, look at the guys we've brought in. our #14 is going to be one of those.

[csx]

I think it sets us up to draft the best lineman, either side of the ball with our top 2 selections.

[Mr. Scot]

yeah, that's not going to have a real impact in us taking a WR. gettleman is strengthening the bottom end of the WR corps. with ginn and hixon he's setting the baseline. gonna be some WRs cut if they can't cut it right away.

I think they call that "team building".

I've heard of it, but hadn't really seen it till now.

[Navy_football]

Knock Ginn and Hixon all you want, but the speed at WR for the Panthers has increased immensely with these two signings. They step in and are the fastest WRs on the team (minus Gettis, Green and Bryant - and none of them had a reception last year).

You can not underestimate the significance of elite speed. Smitty had it, but not so much any more. One mistake or missed tackle and it's a TD - from anywhere on the field.

[L-TownCat]

Knock Ginn and Hixon all you want, but the speed at WR for the Panthers has increased immensely with these two signings. They step in and are the fastest WRs on the team (minus Gettis, Green and Bryant - and none of them had a reception last year).

You can not underestimate the significance of elite speed. Smitty had it, but not so much any more. One mistake or missed tackle and it's a TD - from anywhere on the field.

That is a magnificent point and I cant believe no one has mentioned that yet.(that I have seen) With the rocket cannon blaster arm that Cam has we need receivers to take the top off of the defense allowing our rediculous stable of back and TE's to work the underneath. Add to that the one they call Smitty working the slot and you have a dangerous situation for Defenses across the league.

Did I mention that Cam can run too?

[rayzor]

I think they call that "team building".

I've heard of it, but hadn't really seen it till now.

it's a wonderful thing.

it's not about adding stars, it's about rounding up the team....elevating the ranks. then you add stars to that where you find them (in the draft mainly). if you can find FAs who can become top producers then even better.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

I agree, it will be nice not cringing when Armanti, Joe Adams and Louis Murphy come out not threatening anyone.

CB coaches will not take the week off when they have to gameplan for the Panthers now..well maybe half week now.

Another TE/WR threat will be nice and hopefully a camp diamond(Gettis included)

[OneBadCat]

If we can get an imposing threat like Hunter or Hopkins in this draft our offense will be very dangerous. Perfect blend of veteran quality players and raw talent at the WR position.

[rayzor]

i really can't see armanti being on this team this year. same with pilares and gettis, tbh. those guys and adams are going to have to be absolutely flawless and dynamic in OTAs and TC to ensure a roster spot this year and theres not going to be room for all of them. guys that were on the practice squad will more than likely stay there if they signed some futures contract.

adams has a little more time than the other WRs on the roster just because last year was his rookie year, but beyond that i can't imagine the FO and coaching staff having much patience at all with the other guys on the roster. they are looking for guys who can make an impact this year...not hopefully at some point down the road if you give them enough time yada yada yada.

we'll more than likely be going into the season with 6 WR spots on the 53 man roster.

smitty, lafell, hixon, and ginn are shoe ins. more than likely adams will be as well. if we draft a WR in the first couple days, then you pretty much have your 6 right there.

[Razeyfingers]

Now we finally got some decent opinions in here on what the status is. 89 is slowing now, but his production should drop even if he was in his prime because we have a crap load more weapons on offense now. Regardless a slowing Smith may be more like a slowing Rice. It's not obvious to everyone, but that dude is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.

He will still jump and compete for balls although he wont leap WAY over them like he used to, he'll be in situations where he's competing more often. He will still burn corners although it wont be because he's way too shifty, it'll be because he set them up and he's still fast enough to make it hurt. Lastly, he'll get injured more often because he will likely maintain how strong he is but be less evasive.

oh ya and. . .

People have been saying "89 isnt great anymore" for 4 years now and been DEAD WRONG. I dont know why those same people should be in here repeating it, you're not credible. Youve been asking for Smith's replacement since 09' even when it was obvious he was still a beast. Again, your opinion is no longer credible in this argument.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

smith was supposed to have had no tread left in 2010 depending on who was talking

maybe he doesn't have 2005 top end speed anymore but he still draws double coverage

[rayzor]

smith was supposed to have had no tread left in 2010 depending on who was talking

maybe he doesn't have 2005 top end speed anymore but he still draws double coverage

i can't wait until that day when teams won't be able to do that.

[Navy_football]

i can't wait until that day when teams won't be able to do that.

Yeah, unfortunately it's about 3-4 years too late. He's still a great WR, but he was an elite speedburner. He was caught a few times last year where the old Smitty wouldn't have been touched.

That's what Ginn brings to the table. And not trying to compare him to Smitty as a WR - he can't hold his jock strap in that argument, but Ginn's speed and acceleration make him very dangerous. You can't double Smitty, and provide help over the top on Ginn and Hixon and Olsen.

[CRA]

CB....agree with you

S....possible

DT....I think there are as close to sure fire as there is in the first round for a DT

G....you are way off. Cooper and Warmack are guaranteed studs.

DT....they are always hit or miss.

I agree on Gs being the closet thing to a sure thing. But none of the other spots are any safer than WR