zamboni
Footballguy
Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying Smith won't continue to put up stellar numbers. He's too good not to.But top 5 is a big hurdle, and even a slight dropoff in receptions/TDs can keep him out of the top 5. This could result from an even stronger defense/even more dominant runnng game/better 2nd WR option, etc. There are lots of factors at work that can work against WR production - nothing to do with talent.Why do you feel Smith is less of a lock? Over the past couple years, the Panthers have been the wr equivilant of the Chiefs/Broncos to running backs. Whoever is the number one receiver in Carolina will have a big year.As mentioned, there is way too much turnover at the top 5 year after year.
The only guys I feel comfortable saying will probably be there (barring injury) are Holt and Chad (maybe Owens if he goes to a team that doesn't have a rookie QB).
Seems like a crapshoot for the other two or three.
I just see Holt, Chad, Owens having done it year after year with different surrounding talent, which is why I view them to as close to a lock as one can get.