As the Panthers move towards training camp, the roster is beginning to take shape, both in terms of the starters and the surrounding depth, and while there is still a lot that can and likely will change between now and the end of training camp, it’s time to take a look at each part of the Panthers’ roster, position by position. While there is always the possibility of a dark horse surprise, there is also a lot than can be said with some degree of certainty. With that in mind, over the next couple of weeks we will explore both where each position group stands and where it might go. Previously, we looked at the cornerbacks – next up: the wide receivers.
The next up in our series of positional previews is a group that was a clear focus this offseason, seeing the addition of Torrey Smith via trade, Jarius Wright in free agency and DJ Moore in the draft; add to that the returns of Darius Byrd and Curtis Samuel from IR and Funchess from a shoulder injury which derailed the final quarter of his season and this group is completely different from 2017. In other words, compared to the group that took the field in New Orleans in January, the Panthers enter training camp with an all new receiving unit. Along with all that change comes a lot of hope and a lot of uncertainty, so what might that look like played out on the fields of Spartanburg?
The (Somewhat) Known Entities
Devin Funchess is the only player of the current Panthers receiving corps to have caught over 15 passes in a Panthers uniform, and in that regard is comfortably the most experienced with the team entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. However, while he is experienced compared to the rest of the Panthers’ receiving corps, it was only midway through last season with the trade that sent Benjamin to Buffalo that he assumed the primary wide receiver role. He did play extremely well in the first few games after that before suffering a shoulder injury that would limit him for the rest of the season; it will be interesting to see whether Funchess slots into the #1 role once again when training camp starts. While he is entering his fourth season in the NFL, Funchess only recently turned 24 and so it would not be a surprise to see him continue to develop at this point, with a continued focus on his route running likely being at the forefront of his training camp plans.
Torrey Smith might be new to the Panthers but he is certainly not new to the NFL – what he is likely to bring to the Panthers should not come as much of a surprise. Smith brings the speed to stretch the field, with the veteran leadership in the locker room and on the field that the team seems to have missed since the retirement of Jericho Cotchery. As with Funchess, the training camp questions will focus as much on his usage as his play, with Smith having the potential to play either outside or in the slot and will likely be battling for snaps both with Funchess and the receivers behind him on the roster.
While Jarius Wright might not have received the level of attention that the Panthers’ other receiver additions have this offseason, he could well play a significant role for the Panthers offense this season, and that should start in training camp. Wright is expected to act as an inside possession receiver who can help to move the chains on third downs, similar to the role that Cotchery played during the 2015 season. While he has more speed than most people seem to realize, his greatest value will be in his ability to separate underneath against tight coverage, and this is very much something fans should watch for in training camp. If Wright is able to demonstrate a consistent ability to get open underneath then this will allow other receivers to focus on attacking the defense down the field. While others might attract more attention this training camp, the importance of Wright should not be forgotten.
Fresh Young Faces
Damiere Byrd might be 25 years old, but with only 11 career receptions he is still very much an unknown when it comes to his potential to contribute consistently as an NFL receiver. His appeal is obvious, as his vertical speed is extremely valuable in stretching the field and he is also an underrated route runner. For him, this could well be one of his final chances to stick on an NFL roster, but he showed in limited snaps before injury last season that he can be a valuable piece of a diverse receiver group. In addition to his ability to contribute as a receiver, he will also be relying on his return ability to cement his position on the roster; Byrd is unlikely to see more than a handful of targets per game this season, but it will be important for him to show that his big-play ability is enough for him to be worth keeping around.
Curtis Samuel missed much of his rookie season to injury, and while he still has some areas in which he needs to improve, he was quite impressive in the games he did play last season. Like Byrd, he has the speed to stretch the field vertically and be a threat with the ball in his hands; in addition, his route running at least shows promise as a high level route runner. For him, the key will be showing how he can be used effectively as he is unlikely to be on the field for every offensive snap. It is still unclear how Norv Turner will look to use his receiver group this season, but with the number of good receivers on the roster and the lack of any elite talent, he could well take a ‘death by a thousand knives’ approach, the key to which will be the balance in using between the various weapons; definitely something to watch throughout training camp.
The final young receiver that fans will almost certainly be keen to see throughout training camp is this year’s first round pick, DJ Moore. Moore has talent and potential in handfuls but will likely need to take some time to develop if he is going to reach his potential. Early on, the Panthers may well look to get the ball in his hands on jet sweeps and underneath routes to make the most of his ability with the ball in his hands, but he will also need to begin to show an improvement in the consistency of his route running, as while he shows all the characteristics teams look for in a number one receiver, his consistency at Maryland left something to be desired. Moore will almost certainly make a number of big plays throughout training camp, but how large a role he has in the offense come Week One will likely depend on his ability to show the ability to separate on intermediate and underneath routes, where the Panthers can maximize the impact of his ability as a ball carrier.
The Other Guys
It would be something of a surprise if any of the other receivers on the roster made it to the final 53 without an injury ahead of them, but with the entire group being early in their careers there is always the possibility of a practice squad place, which should at least keep competition levels high throughout camp. Rookie Bug Howard has attracted some attention early on, with his large frame providing an obvious comparison with Devin Funchess, though that alone does not count for a huge amount. Jamaal Jones has shown some nice things during OTAs, and could well be the closest to the active roster with a chance making it on in the case of injury, and should be among the favorites for a practice squad place.
Austin Duke and Fred Ross were both on the summer roster last season, though Ross missed some of the back end of training camp due to injury; both obviously did enough to merit a second look. As a slot receiver, Duke could well face the harder battle in terms of sticking on either the active roster or the practice squad, though as always, a strong training camp will do a huge amount for his chances. Ross looks like a more natural outside receiver, and showed the ability to make plays last summer. Again, it would be a surprise to see him on the active roster come the first week of the season but both have a real shot of making the practice squad.
Mose Frazier was added to the active roster late last season after a series of injuries but did nothing to impress observers and it would be a surprise to see him make the final roster or the practice squad. He had a decent training camp last season but he will likely be on the outside looking in again this season. Likewise, Rasheed Bailey will need a very strong performance during training camp if he is to be around past the summer, though as should always be stressed these fringe players always have a chance.
Way-Too-Early Roster Prediction
Starters: Devin Funchess and Torrey Smith
Depth Pieces: Jarius Wright, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel and Damiere Byrd
Practice Squad: Fred Ross
Roster Hopefuls: Bug Howard, Jamaal Jones, Austin Duke, Mose Frazier and Rasheed Bailey
