Even Ebron wants Smitty to stay

[lola]

Mmmm hmmm.

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=carolina-panthers&i=TWT&id=5146&w=1dsm9

North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron, like many that follow the Carolina Panthers, is perplexed the organization hasn't committed to wide receiver Steve Smith for next season.

"Steve Smith is one of the most feisty, most courageous receivers out there," Ebron told ESPN.com. "I would love to play with a guy of his caliber, with his attitude. That's what you want on the football field.

"You don't have to talk. You just play with emotion and passion. That's what Steve does. I respect everything he's done at Carolina and has brought to the table."

Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

Carolina likely would have to trade up in the first round of the NFL draft to have a shot at selecting Eric Ebron.

The Panthers met with Ebron, who grew up in Greensboro, N.C. -- about 90 miles from Carolina's Bank of America Stadium -- recently at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

But unless they trade up from the 28th pick, into the top 15 and possibly the top 10, they won't have a chance at what is considered the best tight end prospect for the May draft.

Not that tight end is among Carolina's top priorities with needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle. Plus, they already have a star tight end in Greg Olsen, who led the team in receptions this past season.

But imagine if quarterback Cam Newton had Ebron, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound target who considers himself a game-changer in the mode of San Francisco's Vernon Davis, along with Olsen in a two-tight end set. Imagine if the Panthers had a second tight end who was almost as good at blocking as he is at receiving.

It has worked out pretty well for the New England Patriots.

"I would definitely like to stay at home,'' Ebron said during a phone interview as part of the Gillette "Pressure Point'' campaign. "I don't see any flaws in anything Carolina does. I love their head coach. They have a great general manager.

"I would love to stay home even though they have a great tight end.''

Ebron also would love to play with Smith, the team's all-time leading receiver. But general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Ron Rivera have been vague on Smith's role in 2014, or if he will have a role.

It is a situation that has Smith, the team's all-time leading receiver who will turn 35 before this season, miffed.

It's a situation that Ebron has followed from a distance.

"Hopefully, he stays at Carolina,'' Ebron said. "I wouldn't see why he wouldn't.''

The Panthers seem to have much more urgent needs than tight end. But a player such as Ebron would be almost like adding another wide receiver as Davis is for the 49ers.

Ebron ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds at the combine despite a tweaked hamstring. He has the ability to draw coverage from the secondary that would take the pressure off lesser players at wide receiver.

He had 62 catches for 973 yards, surpassing Davis' Atlantic Coast Conference record for most yards by a tight end, this past season as a junior. He's impressive enough that he expects the Panthers to follow up their interview at the combine with a personal visit once he's had his pro day.

"I doubt I'll be there for them at 28,'' Ebron said confidently. "I highly doubt that. But if they are willing to trade up, they know exactly where I will be.''

Tags:Carolina PanthersSteve SmithGreg Olsen2014 NFL Draft

[@bonafidebanter]

Bless his heart.

[Pantherman]

Ebron would be a nice addition to this team. If we didn't have other needs. Ebron is the fartherest guy we need right now. We need a star WR or Olineman with the first pick of the 1st round. So unless we make some make moves in FA next week. Ebron will be going to another team. We have other needs right now.

[NFLFangirl19]

I don't think we would go for Ebron even if we did trade up in th position to get em. But it's good to know he knows what's best for him home team.

[Guest Dark Knight]

He's the best receiver in the draft.

Would be nice. Never happen, though.

[Pantherman]

He's the best receiver in the draft.

Would be nice. Never happen, though.

 

He is a TE not a WR. We have Olsen as our starting TE. We don't need to waste a 1st round pick on TE just back up our starter.. Waste of money and a draft pick.

[Guest Dark Knight]

He is a TE not a WR. We have Olsen as our starting TE. We don't need to waste a 1st round pick on TE just back up our starter.. Waste of money and a draft pick.

TE = receiver

WR = receiver

2 TE sets = better offense

Sit down son, men are discussing football.

[AceBoogie]

TE = receiver

WR = receiver

2 TE sets = better offense

Sit down son, men are discussing football.

I logged in to post the same thing. Where was he Cam's rookie year

[Ken]

We met with Ebron at the combine? Only other guy I know we met with was Boyd.

Really wish our beat writers did a better job of covering stuff like that.

[Pantherman]

TE = receiver

WR = receiver

2 TE sets = better offense

Sit down son, men are discussing football.

 

Then you better leave little boy.  TEs don't always mean WR. Only if they are converted to a WR. Which want happen. Besides he will be drafted long before he gets to us at 28. So need to worry. So good bye little boy.

 

[coralreefer_1]

I think everyone wants Smith to stay assuming it is within the budget.

 

With that said, in the slot, or on the fade...89 has dropped a good number of passes in the last two season..more than I have ever seen him drop (yes, despite my low post count, ive been with the team that long)

 

People seem to be focused on this "evaluation" and putting alot of emphasis an his drive/fire/leadership. He is being evaluated not only because of his cap hit..but his contribution to the team ON THE FIELD. He may command double teams, but that doesnt mean anything when there isnt a threat on the opposite side of the field.

 

I surely dont want to see Smith leave...would literally break my heart. But damn...his dropped passes lately have pissed me off (mainly because he used to be a sure fire catcher even triple-teamed)

[TheRumGone]

Then you better leave little boy.  TEs don't always mean WR. Only if they are converted to a WR. Which want happen. Besides he will be drafted long before he gets to us at 28. So need to worry. So good bye little boy.

 

 

what the hell are you talking about?

[ajax4132]

Tight ends are receivers  in the purest form. They run routes and catch passes as well as block.

 

Thats called being a "receiver" lol

[NFLFangirl19]

I think everyone wants Smith to stay assuming it is within the budget.

With that said, in the slot, or on the fade...89 has dropped a good number of passes in the last two season..more than I have ever seen him drop (yes, despite my low post count, ive been with the team that long)

People seem to be focused on this "evaluation" and putting alot of emphasis an his drive/fire/leadership. He is being evaluated not only because of his cap hit..but his contribution to the team ON THE FIELD. He may command double teams, but that doesnt mean anything when there isnt a threat on the opposite side of the field.

I surely dont want to see Smith leave...would literally break my heart. But damn...his dropped passes lately have pissed me off (mainly because he used to be a sure fire catcher even triple-teamed)

5 dropped passes & I don't remember any of them. Less drops than any of the younger guys (not including Olsen). I would expect a new guy to come in & have about the same if not more so thts damn good for someone who suppose to be "losing it". Still remains our biggest 3rd down threat & Cam's most trustworthy reciever in showing that, he can not only make the catch, but also make ppl miss & get the extra yardage to get the 1st. Bottom line....I think you're being a bit dramatic