Carolina Panthers Position by Position Breakdown: WR
There’s bound to be a lot of mixing and matching at the Wideout position. Let’s take a look at all the options this year.
Here is where I think the panthers will have the most competition, other than O-line. With more speed than they’ve had in a while, the panthers’ ability to maximize each wideouts’ skillset is key. Heres a look at our 1st string guys:
D.J. Moore
Aug 24, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore (12) lines up during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The 1st round pick from 2018 showed some flashes of the player he was in college, last year. Everyone expects him to take that big leap this season. With no real clear cut No. 1 wideout, Moore has a chance to take control of that role. Finishing with nearly 800 yards receiving and 2 TD’s, he will eclipse that this year.
Curtis Samuel
CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 13: Curtis Samuel #10 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
We’ve heard it year in and year out. “Curtis is showing out in training camp and it will translate to success in the regular season.” We’ve seen it again this year but it feels different. Samuel is bigger, faster, and stronger. Hard to believe I know, he was a hybrid running back and wide receiver at Ohio State. But there’s a noticeable difference that players and coaches have noticed. He’s ready to succeed and fans are salivating at a chance to see Samuel and Moore working on the field at the same time.
Chris Hogan
Coming into his first year with the panthers, the former Patriots wideout has a real shot at becoming the slot receiver or go-to guy on third down. In recent years, the Panthers wideouts have not been able to create separation off of the line or at the end of routes. Hogan has always been terrific at creating separation (led the NFL in creating 3.6 yds of separation on his targets in 2017). He will be a welcome addition to this group that lacks that veteran presence. He also brings a championship pedigree.
2nd Tier
Torrey Smith
Smith had a tough season in 2018 but the 30-year-old still has plenty left in the tank. He may not be a starter but adds good depth and veteran leadership much like Hogan in that way (Smith won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens and Super Bowl LII). Smith has got to outshine young guys in order to have a chance at some decent playing time.
Jarius Wright
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Jarius Wright #13 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Deion Jones #45 of the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Automatic on 3rd Down. Sneaky consistent and someone you can count on. Wright has been that guy everywhere he’s been. His stats won’t blow you away but he has the knack for making timely catches. My guess is you see Wright and Hogan switching in and out of the slot.
3rd Tier/Fringe players
Aldrick Robinson
Panther’s love some Viking wideouts. Played a similar role to Wright after taking over for him in Minnesota. Robinson has the ability to be a big-play guy. Never having more than 400 yards receiving, Robinson will probably be a depth guy if he makes the 53 man roster.
Rashad Ross
After tearing it up in the AFL, Ross signed a contract with the Panthers as a return man/receiver. He has played in the NFL before with a few teams but made most of his impact in Washington with the Redskins. Ross will have some competition for the returner position though, as the team recently signed Jordan Mickens.
Terry Godwin
Godwin is my pick to win the last receiver spot. He was effective at Georgia but didn’t blow you out of the water with his stat line (133 catches for 1,788 yds and 11 TD’s in 4 years at Georgia). His strengths are quickness off of the line and route running. As I mentioned before, the Panthers have struggled in that department in recent years. I could see Godwin tearing in up in the slot.
Projected Depth Chart
WR1- D.J. Moore
WR2- Curtis Samuel
WR3-Chris Hogan
WR4- Jarius Wright
WR5- Torrey Smith
WR6- Terry Godwin
I don’t see the Panthers keeping more than 6 receivers. I’m sure the Panthers feel that at least one or two of the receivers they release, could end up on their practice squad.
Next time I’ll be breaking down the O-Line. Stay tuned!!
