Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver Projections - Week 1

[Jeremy Igo]

With training camp in full swing and a day without practice today, I thought I would give you some thoughts on how the wide receivers are shaping up.

 

This projection will most likely change from week to week as the players rise and fall to the challenges presented to them.  The players are divided to those who are on the team, who are on the bubble, and who are on the bus home.

 

 

On the Team
 

- Kelvin Benjamin - Obviously. KB has delivered better than expected and has the coaching staff very excited.

- Jerricho Cotchery - Also, meeting expectations. The veteran does all of the small things that make a well rounded player.

- Jason Avant -  I like what I have seen out of Avant. Work ethic, team player, reliability to make the play.

- Brenton Bersin - Currently neck in neck with Underwood for that 4th spot. Bersin is this year's most improved player.

- Tiquan Underwood - Not as fast as expected, but still good enough to be on an NFL squad.

 

On the Bubble

 

- Marcus Lucas - A surprise undrafted free agent. He has the height to be a solid possession guy. Stay tuned.

- Tavarres King - His long touchdown catch yesterday over Robert Lester keeps him in the hunt. 

- Kealoha Pilares - Never underestimate a coaches love for a hard nosed worker. Pilares is that.

- Philly Brown - Has an edge over others if he can prove his punt return skills. I am pulling for him.

 

On the Bus

 

- Marvin McNutt - Lots of drops. He stayed after practice yesterday practicing one handed grabs. He needs to improve.

- De'Andre Presley - It is hard to make an NFL team if you are on the exercise bike.

- Toney Clemmons - Has not stood out. Less of an upside than Lucas or King. Needs to step it up.

 

 

If the Panthers keep six wide outs, my best guess is that Philly Brown makes the team and Lucas makes the practice squad. This is based solely on the fact that Brown is more versatile in that he can return punts.

 

Again, this may change week to week, but that is how things look today.

 

 

 

 

 

[rhyslloyd]

No one will ever convince me that this group is not better than last year's. For starters, they will actually catch the damn ball! Thanks for the insight.

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[Biggdaddi1022]

Do you think we look for more talent on the waiver wire once teams start making cuts?

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[ed bell]

Watching KB in the first exhibition game is going to be very exciting IMO.

[RoaringRiot]

Do you think we look for more talent on the waiver wire once teams start making cuts?

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

I think we always look at the wire....for every position.

Sent from my iPhone

[Jakob]

Ideally we roll into the season with Benjamin, Cotchery, Avant, Bersin, Underwood, Lucas. That group provides much needed height.

[t96]

Ideally we roll into the season with Benjamin, Cotchery, Avant, Bersin, Underwood, Lucas. That group provides much needed height.

Why is height much needed when we have Benjamin and Olsen? I think a speed guy is a lot more needed for us than height.

[caatfan]

I don't know about putting McNutt on the bus yet. They gave him 1st team reps yesterday, along with Avant and Cotchery. OTOH they could well be just trying to decide whether to cut him early or not.

[caatfan]

Do you think we look for more talent on the waiver wire once teams start making cuts?

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

What organization doesn't? I don't care how loaded your team is, you always have weak depth somewhere that can be improved.

[Paa Langfart]

hate to say it but at this point, I dont see us missing Smitty this year.

[Jeremy Igo]

I don't know about putting McNutt on the bus yet. They gave him 1st team reps yesterday, along with Avant and Cotchery. OTOH they could well be just trying to decide whether to cut him early or not.

 

All WRs have gotten 1st team reps since OTA's. I don't put much stock into it.

[xerxes]

Little disappointed in Underwood. Ironically, the way things are shaping up Ted Ginn might have been our biggest WR loss. Going to miss his speed and return abilities.

[Cary Kollins]

Watching KB in the first exhibition game is going to be very exciting IMO.

 

 

 

1 WEEK FROM FRIDAY

[Jeremy Igo]

Do you think we look for more talent on the waiver wire once teams start making cuts?

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

 

Yes, there is no doubt. Gettleman has zero personal attachments with these guys (unlike his predecessor) and will pull the trigger at a moment's notice.