My Armanti thread.

[Jackofalltrades]

I'm not an Armanti fan or an App St homer, but him still being here really doesn't bother me for several reasons.

1. Project WR- I knew he would be a 2-3 year project, anyone who though going from glorified high school running QB would be an overnight success as a NFL WR is just stupid.

2. Wasted time- not Armanti's fault he was stuck with an apathetic John Fox in a lame duck season and practically ignored. Also not his fault that his first legit chance to learn was cut short by CBA negotiations. He's had one real off season, IMO.

3. Improvement- he's shown quite a lot of it, whether you want to admit it or not. He still have a ways to go, but he's come a long way given the two circumstances listed above.

4. Athleticism- this is the one redeeming qualities that kept me from absolutely hating this draft pick. He didn't choose to be drafted where he did and at that price, but he's freakishly athletic and it's starting to show in spots on the field. His burst is exceptional, once his confidence catches up, if it ever catches up he can be a versitile weapon.

Opportunity- we're not exactly stacked with WR talent. It's not like he's keeping a more proven guy off the team and he does provide a little depth at gimmick option and PR depth.

I consider myself to be somewhat indifferent when it comes to AE, but for the reasons listed above I don't have a problem with holding onto him for another season. He kept a guy that COULD develop that wasn't practice squad eligible and still stashed a few guys on the PS who showed promise. (Green, Bryant)

Was AE worth the pick? Probably not, though it's too early to definitively say no, outright. Was he worth what Hurney gave up? See last answer. Is he here just so Hurney can save face? I don't think so, but if he can't pick up the ability to catch in traffic, attack the ball with his hands at the highest point and master some of the nuances of the position then I would fully expect him to be unemployed come this time next season

IMO, if you want to bitch and moan about a wasted roster spot, see Jimmy Clausen.

I was going to put this in one of the other countless AE threads, but we have a week until we trounce Tampa, so why not clutter the front page some more?

Thoughts?

Edit: this was written on an iPhone while dropping a very substantial and impressive post surgical deuce, forgive my grammatical shortcomings.

[Chaos]

I'm with you. Indifferent and hoping that if called upon he could produce something. Certainly not going to hate on a guy in a Panthers uniform.

[TheRed]

Valid points, I agree. Some will hate the guy regardless. He is a panther, deal with it.

[FirstRoundPick]

I think everyone should make their own Armanti thread.

[Jackofalltrades]

I think everyone should make their own Armanti thread.

So do I, obviously.

[Dont Check My Chicken]

First, he's a Panther. Therefore, I'm pulling for him to do well.

Secondly, he's a Panther. Therefore, I expect him to perform well.

Lastly... Nothing else matters!

[CRA]

I agree, converting a QB to a WR isn't going to result in an immediate stud WR and return man......but Armanti's pace in converting has been an utter joke being a 3rd round pick.

First 2 seasons of some the more recent coverted QBs and what they did as a WR/returner (those since 2000)

Armanti Edwards (3rd round investment)

WR- 0 rec, 0 yards, 0 TDs

Returner - 211 yards, 0 TDs, 11 yard KO avg, 5 yard PR avg.

Josh Cribbs (undrafted)

WR - 11 rec, 98 rec yards

Returner - 2644 yards, 2 TDs. 24 yard KO avg, 8 yard PR avg.

Julian Eldeman (7th round investment)

WR - 44 rec, 445 yards, 1 TD

Returner - 625 yards, 1 TD, 21 yard KO avg, 14 yard PR avg.

Brad Smith (4th round)

WR - 41 rec, 386 yards, 2 TDs

Returner - 187 yards, 18 yard KO avg.

Antwann Randel El (2nd round)

WR- 84 rec, 853 yards, 3 TDs

Returner -1998 yards, 3 TDs, 21 yard KO avg, 9 yard PR avg

Matt Jones (1st round)

WR - 77 rec, 1,075 yards, 9 TDs

Ronald Curry (7th round)

WR - 5 rec, 31 yards

Returner - 68 yards. 22 yard KO avg.

So it is fair to say Edwards is a project and we shouldn't expect a QB to be a great WR/return man quickly...but he is a failing project right now. We spent a 3rd on a guy who has done less than any noteworthy QB to WR/returner in recent time. So it isn't stupid to suggest he should of done more at this stage. Suggesting he should be better isn't claiming he should be AJ Green with PP's return ability.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Actually we spent a 2nd to move up in the third. Which makes it even worse.

[redbuddha]

I thought edwards was a 2nd rounder.

[Rip Saw]

you had me at " I'm not an Armanti fan "

[FirstRoundPick]

I thought edwards was a 2nd rounder.

He was a third, but his cost was a next year second.

[Iceberg Slim]

meh..if you under-peformed at your job you would be out the door.....corporate rules obviously do not apply for the Hurney regime even though at the end of the day this is stll a business

[Anybodyhome]

"Certainly not going to hate on a guy in a Panthers uniform."

"Some will hate the guy regardless."

"First, he's a Panther. Therefore, I'm pulling for him to do well."

Unless his name is Olindo Mare and he's replacing a Carolina Panther icon named John Kasay, right?

Double standards forgiven, carry on.

[2jakefansinva]

as a fan base we need to just get past the part about where he was picked and what we gave up to get him...........

this season and next yrs. TC will determine if AE is a panther in 2013 and beyond.

PS.....I doubt he ever lives up to the cost, still can't understand the logic behind the pick.