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First Look - Devin Funchess

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

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Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

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Today I had the opportunity to get a look at the newest Panthers wide receiver, second rounder Devin Funchess, at Panthers rookie camp.

 

Devin strolled into his first practice as a NFL player like he had been there before, having some fun with NC State guard Zach Allen.

 

panthers-rookie-camp-15-5.jpg

 

 

Lots of comparisons will be made between Kelvin Benjamin and Funchess this season, but right away it was clear to me these are two completely different receivers. Funchess is much more fluid in his movements, relies less on his height to achieve his objective. He runs more like smaller slot receiver.

 

 

panthers-rookie-camp-15-14.jpg

 

There were no team drills today, so my observations are limited to positional drills. I can tell you that Funchess caught every catchable ball that came his way, sometimes in athletic fashion. (More about that in All-Pro).

 

His eyes in all of my shots of him are clearly fixated on the ball, a skill that other more experienced players on the roster still have trouble with.

 

 

panthers-rookie-camp-15-16.jpg

 

 

Overall, and yes I know this is early, I can definitely see Funchess as the opening day #2 receiver. But you know what? Here is the shocker.... I could see him as an eventual number one as well with Kelvin Benjamin being the second receiver. Funchess looks every bit as good at this rookie camp as Kelvin did last year at his. There is still a long way to go, but this initial look was very encouraging.


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Moorgan Enthusiast

Moorgan

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Fantastic...it's almost like football season is close...but it's not. :(

 

 

 

Great job though.

 

EDIT: For whatever reason, I see them flipping positions as well. While traditionally WR 1 and 2 is more significant of a designation, I'd say now it's just about match ups and I see Funchess potentially being the guy that the CB #1 plays against. Unless they do a Seattle style where CBs play a specific side regardless of who lines up where on offense.

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CPantherKing Grand Master

CPantherKing

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Very nice. I would love to see Funchess work the slot in 3 receiver sets. He will be difficult to defend over the middle.

 

If it all works out with the Hill project:

 

Benjamin on the outside in single receiver sets.

 

Benjamin and Funchess in 2 receiver sets.

 

Benjamin and Hill on the outside with Funchess in the slot on 3 receiver sets.

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Cary Kollins Experienced

Cary Kollins

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The more I think about trading up to grab Funchess, the more I like it.

Gettleman essentially snagged two first round talents (based on their board) again this year, last year being Benjamin and Ealy. Trading up for Funchess was a very bold move, and should forever shut anyone up about Gettleman not giving Cam any weapons.

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KSpan Grand Master

KSpan

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Lines up all over the place? Not a Benjamin clone?

Damn it's almost like Dave knows what he's doing...

We'll have none of that here. He's still clearly incompetent for not paying Torrey Smith $8M a year.

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