Trent Richardson

[prowler2k8]

Okay, guys I know most of you may think this is a crazy idea. Just hear me out for a second.

First, let me say that I like Jonathan Stewart. Great size speed combo that's a very physical runner/receiver, not to mention a wicked stiff arm.

With that said, JStew's contract runs out in 2013. While the team has had success with dual RB's, there's no guarantee the Panthers will want to commit major money to two (2) starting caliber RBs. The shift in offensive philosophy may de-emphasize the running game to the point that having two starting RBs is no longer necessary. And while JStew has looked better this year, the team has been reluctant to name him as a starter ahead of DWill, although JStew is younger and appears to be better suited for this offensive scheme. Could it be that Stewart's health will never allow him to be more than a backup?

As it appears we will fall in the #5 to #10 slot in the 2012 draft, Trent Richardson could be an option (unless Matt Kalil falls) as BPA. We'd get a younger, healthier version of JStew for less money. He'd also be a virtual lock as a starting RB, and he's perfect for the brand of West Coast offense we run. This will also allow us to 1) trade Jonathan Stewart for an additional 1st or 2nd rounder in the upcoming draft while he still has value; and 2) use DWill a change-of-pace back, prolonging his career.

Of course we can also trade back if a team like Cleveland or Washington wants Richardson bad enough. I know we have major holes to fill on defense, but there may not be an impact defensive player in the top #10 aside from CB, and this is not a pressing need.

What say you? Keep in mind this is all just speculation on my part and I know I'll get flamed by some for this thread, so go easy on me. Thanks.

[mav1234]

jstew isn't going to net you a 1st round pick.

he is also more valuable to us in the immediate future than richardson possibly could be, because he already knows the offense we're running. further, it is highly likely that a quality player taken in richardson's place would be more valuable to this team than richardson, given the sort of offense we run and the fact we already have 2 "feature" backs, and we'd still have one other than richardson even if we trade stew. frankly I understand the idea behind trading stew but I absolutely think we are better off keeping him barring a crazy deal and even if we do trade him, RB isn't suddenly our #1 priority anyway.

finally, CB is a pressing need. it may not be OLB, but it's a huge need and it's something we have to fill sooner rather than later.

[Delhommey]

10/10, if you find yourself writing the phrase "just hear me out for a second" it's better to ignore the "Post" button and move on.

[prowler2k8]

10/10, if you find yourself writing the phrase "just hear me out for a second" it's better to ignore the "Post" button and move on.

LOL, point taken! Just stirring the pot and seeing what comes out of it. :D

[mav1234]

nothing good will come out of this pot. :P

[Panthro]

Sounds awesome.

[Hoenheim]

trent richardson does look like a good RB to have but... RB is just one of our positions of least need, so that will never happen in the real world sadly. I don't think we'll have to worry about seriously considering a RB in the draft for a good while now.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

best idea ever. make prowler2k8 the new GM immediately

[HeatCheck]

We don't need him, plain and simple. Other needs need addressing and making a trade for an unproven back where we are already strong at that position makes little to no sense.

That being said, Richardson is a beast and will be better than Ingram. He is J Stew 2.0.

[prowler2k8]

best idea ever. make prowler2k8 the new GM immediately

Can I interview after the season? j/k love the sarcasm:D