#1 Receivers don't grow on trees, I'm told

[ed bell]

So where do they come from and are they all the same? What does it look like the Panthers are going to do to get one? Our current situation and these WR threads have me stuck on this..... Just thinking out loud here.

A WR1 is either: A) drafted and immediately shows themselves ready, B) developed and grown over time to assume the role on the team that drafts them, C) a player capable of being one, but unproven due to depth chart (the diamond in the rough), or D) a proven veteran.

Since free agency is open now, but we haven't drafted yet, there is uncertainty here as to what the plan is for the Panthers. Most would agree that if you need a WR#1 for 2014 you can either buy the proven free-agent, draft a candidate, or gamble on an unproven player either on the roster, or free-agent. I've seen it boil down to Hakeem Nicks (gone), Kenny Britt, and DeSean Jackson for proven veterans. Each day that passes seems to make this route less likely. Personally I'm fine with that option being taken off the table.

This is where it gets complicated for us. The fact that Olsen was practically our WR#1 in production last year makes me think we would settle for a "wait and see" attitude with our draft picks and available players. In other words, we don't necessarily need a full blown WR#1 considering Greg Olson's role. While it would be awesome to have an elite WR#1, I don't believe that is a priority for this team this year anyway. Too many other concerns are lingering.

My take is that we will draft a WR in the first or second and hope for a home run. But if that doesn't materialize we will see a "by committee" WR corps this season. Maybe using a yet to be acquired FA not on the market yet. Not exactly what anyone wants, but maybe something that ends up working just well enough to get the job done. This also could result in a player growing into the position.

I want the WR#1 question answered just as much as the next guy, but I'm preparing myself for the scenario above. Considering our roster/money situation, I'm also OK with that. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to agree with me. Bring on the draft, please. It can't get here soon enough. I'm hoping that first day will bring us the answer we need.

[Jackofalltrades]

Yes?

[LinvilleGorge]

I see lots of talk about this mythical "#1 WR".  What exactly is that?  How many elite #1 WRs are there in the NFL?  5?  10?  At this point, I'd be happy with simply fielding a good NFL WR corps.  We haven't provided Cam Newton with one of those since we drafted him.  If that includes a true elite #1 WR, great. 

[The Huddler]

To me, a number one is a WR that always demands double coverage, but still gets the job done and puts up big numbers.

Technically, anyone would be considered a #1 if they are the best on the roster, but to me, a true #1 could be defined by one word:

Stud.

Edit: ^^^ like this guy said, like 5-10 studs? I've grew up with Steve smith, who in his time was a true #1. IDC if there are only 5-10 in the NFL, I want to snag one!

[KJ89]

B)

fail.

[Jackofalltrades]

Agree with Linville, Cam made major improvements last season in ball distribution. A good all around corps would really allow Cam to maximize his potential and not allow defenses to key on one guy. I think Olsen and Cotchery are a good, savvy and reliable tandem. Underwood will open things up underneath and I have no idea what King and McNutt bring, though I like their speed/size combo.

[BeasonBeastingBacks]

They don't grow on trees, they grow underneath the surface, like a carrot.

[xerxes]

When a daddy WR and a mommy WR love each other very much...

[The Huddler]

It seems like every HOF QB had a HOF WR to work with

[Jackofalltrades]

It seems like every HOF QB had a HOF WR to work with

Oftentimes one makes the other a HOF'er, it's usually the QB doing the lion's share of the work.

[The Huddler]

Oftentimes one makes the other a HOF'er, it's usually the QB doing the lion's share of the work.

True. If Cam can get a guy the put up #1 numbers I'll be happy.

[Jackofalltrades]

True. If Cam can get a guy the put up #1 numbers I'll be happy.

Agree, look at what he and Steve did in just his first 2 seasons.

[LinvilleGorge]

It seems like every HOF QB had a HOF WR to work with

 

Brett Favre?  He had Randy Moss for a couple of years at the tail end of both of their careers, but during his prime he never had a HOFer in his WR corps.  He had several really good ones like Sterling Sharpe, Antonio Freeman, and Javon Walker, but none of those guys will end up in Canton.

[Montsta]

I looked at past career numbers, and using a reasonable increase or reasonable expectation for ball distribution, I think Cam has 3K passing yards easily with Olsen (850), Cotchery (700), The Hair (500), and ~300 each from Tolbert, Stewart and Williams.

So if we can draft a guy that can get another 700 or so as a rookie, and get even moderate production from a 2nd TE, then I think Cam eclipses the 4K mark again for the first time since he was a rookie. As far as I'm concerned that is a recipe for success. If we have our offense from Cam's rookie year with this defense, we win Superbowls.