Steve Smith has told me at least twice that he thought Marvin Harrison was the best receiver in football.
You don't have to play the game like Smith to appreciate the work of Harrison. Along the sidelines and over the middle, all smooth speed and a seeming lack of effort, Harrison is one of the best of all time. He is to Peyton Manning what Jerry Rice was to Joe Montana and Steve Young.
But the relationship has ended. The Colts asked Harrison to take a pay cut, a reasonable request, and he refused. So, at 36, he's free.
Harrison came out in the 1996 NFL draft, a draft known for receivers such as Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Eddie Kennison, Eric Moulds, Bobby Engram, Terrell Owens, Amani Toomer, Joe Horn and -- Muhsin Muhammad.
I love Harrison's work, and it's interesting to think of him on one side and Smith on the other. But the Panthers have a great secret: wide receiver is one of their deeper positions and not one of their greatest needs. Harrison would be more valuable to Carolina if he could rush the passer.
When Muhammad returned to training camp last season, it was as if the younger players -- and that would be everybody but John Kasay -- rolled out a red carpet, opened doors and dropped to one knee. Muhammad's leadership was essential, his blocking still superb. And the man runs a nice, precise route.
Behind Muhammad the Panthers have the emerging Dwayne Jarrett and two receivers who were impressive in camp before sustaining season-ending injuries -- Ryne Robinson and Jason Carter. Almost every day in Spartanburg No. 11 would make a catch that would make you say, "Who was that?" After a week we would say, without consulting the roster, "Jason Carter."
Jarrett, Robinson and Carter are not Harrison. But each has a chance to emerge as a very good pro. Each is on his way up. And not one of them has been asked to take a pay cut.
Nice to see we have some depth at WR.
Posted by: GertBFrold | February 24, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the Panthers persuing Harrison. Was this a subject that needed to be written about?
Posted by: Authority | February 24, 2009 at 09:21 AM
We couldn't afford him. He's a jerk off the field anyway.
Moose is still the man. What get's my goat is that Hines Ward always get's recognition for being the best blocking WR in the league. He always blocks guys that aren't even looking his way. Gives them cheap shots. Moose goes head on with LB's.
Having King, Moose, Hoover running down and blocking for 34 and 28 is awesome. 3 big bodies who aren't afraid to lay a defender out.
I really want to see a good training camp and pre-season from Robinson, Carter, Jarrett. It's going to get really competitive.
Posted by: Bert | February 24, 2009 at 09:44 AM
I’d have to pass on Harrison as well. Loved him at Syracuse in College and he has been amazing in the NFL but we don’t need him. I would spend our money on more pass protection for Jake or a replacement for Jake. We have enough solid veterans to lead this team as long as Smith doesn’t come out punching again this year and we need young talent. Oh and did I mention a backup and/or replacement QB???
-Tucker
Posted by: Tucker | February 24, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Marvin Harrison is washed up and needs to retire.
However, I really don't see Ryne Robinson as an "emerging" receiver at all. To me he has been a total bust as a receiver AND as a kick returner. It's hard to believe that the Panthers drafted Robinson instead of Steve Breaston.
Posted by: Snoozer | February 24, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Shut it Sorenson. Find something REAL to write about. You must have been nearing a deadline when you wrote this. When I thought you couldn't get any worse, I was wrong. We don't need anymore irresponsible gun owners on our team.
Posted by: Boring | February 24, 2009 at 02:05 PM
What are the odds of the Panthers pursuing either Ron Curry or Dre Bly. As mentioned, WR is not a "need" position at the moment, so Curry may not get a look. But what about Bly?
Posted by: MinkHeel | February 24, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Curry went from starter to limited playing time to being inactive this last season..I don't know the exact reason but I am sure his play had a little to do with it and Dre Bly is in his like 11th year, he and Ty Law have just lost a step.
Posted by: JV | February 24, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Yes, Snoozer. Robinson, whose work his rookie year (and throughout his college career, for that matter) was just as good as Jarrett's, but he's a TOTAL bust. Good call, chief.
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