So does hiring of Fred Graves have a ripple effect on draft day?

[PantherProfessor]

I would suspect anyone with half a brain realizes that now that Smitty's college coach has been brought in, Smitty isnt going anywhere.

So now that smitty is presumably in place on the roster for the next few seasons (atleast this one, as most had suspected), why would we take AJ Green at #1?

IMO there would be no roster space for him, and he would only take time away from development of a decently promising set of young WR's in Gettis and LaFell. I think we have bigger needs to address.

So, do you think this hire could have positioned the panthers to concentrate on a QB or D-lineman by making sure smitty is happy and being included in the gameplan finally?

[Jackofalltrades]

Couldn't just be the best guy for the job?

I don't think it says anything about Smith or his future.

I doubt we were going WR anyway. I think Fairley is the pick.

[Jackofalltrades]

We're not drafting QB.

[chknwing]

maybe Graves isnt for smith, dont think smith needs much more coaching, however, if Graves created Steve Smith, could he not do the same with AJ Green?

[Swarly]

Couldn't just be the best guy for the job?

I don't think it says anything about Smith or his future.

I doubt we were going WR anyway. I think Fairley is the pick.

I actually think this does have an impact on Smith's future here. Gantt said that Smith has been lobbying for Graves for years.

As for the pick I agree. Fairley will more than likely be a Panther.

Only way we take Green is if Fairley let's himself fall out of shape over the next few months(very possibly). Even then I think Patrick Peterson is the better choice over Green.

[Montsta]

Don't think were taking Green #1, but if we do the question is will Armanti get the axe? Don't think Gettis or LaFell would in that scenario. I guess AE would be our #5 though?

[PantherProfessor]

Couldn't just be the best guy for the job?

I don't think it says anything about Smith or his future.

I doubt we were going WR anyway. I think Fairley is the pick.

I disagree, Darin Gannt said Smitty has been clamoring to get this guy for years. To me, this is a token from Rivera to Smitty to get him on board with the new Regime and stabilize the position.

Graves could be the best avail., but i dont see it.

I do agree and think they will end up with a D Lineman with the pick though

[PantherProfessor]

Don't think were taking Green #1, but if we do the question is will Armanti get the axe? Don't think Gettis or LaFell would in that scenario. I guess AE would be our #5 though?

yeah i dont think Green will be ruled out, all top prospects will be evaluated i am sure. but, hopefully he will tear up the combine and we can convince some team he is worth taking #1, and they may trade up to get him b/c they think we may take him.

[rayzor]

it's a good thing that smith never gets hurts and misses games or that he's not getting older and slower. also great that we know both gettis and lafell aren't going to turn into keary colbert. now we don't have to worry about WR for YEARS!

lol

[Swarly]

it's a good thing that smith never gets hurts and misses games or that he's not getting older and slower. also great that we know both gettis and lafell aren't going to turn into keary colbert. now we don't have to worry about WR for YEARS!

lol

so we should put DT on the back burner and make a luxury pick for a WR when we have three competent guys at receiver?

look, if we picked AJ Green I'd be fine with it. I think Green is going to be a great receiver. my biggest issue with that is we have absolutely no one at DT. if we get a good DT it will immediately make our entire defense better.

[chknwing]

a rookie DT will make our defense better? Dunno about that. I say we go after a play maker like Green at #1, and then pick up a Vet DT via free agency or trade.

[countryboi]

word is Fred Graves is one of the better WR coaches in the NFL.....sounds like they hired him cause he is damn good and the whole smith connection is a bonus

[CatMan72]

Gantt tweeted:

Panthers getting Graves a coup. 89 has been lobbying for him for years.

[Jackofalltrades]

so we should put DT on the back burner and make a luxury pick for a WR when we have three competent guys at receiver?

look, if we picked AJ Green I'd be fine with it. I think Green is going to be a great receiver. my biggest issue with that is we have absolutely no one at DT. if we get a good DT it will immediately make our entire defense better.

Didn't know Smith wanted him, so that does change that dynamic.

I don't think it changes anything else though.

No QB, prob no Green.