Carolina Panthers wide receivers - Who sticks?

[NAS]

Bold prediction - Shi Smith will turn some heads in camp.  Reminds me of a young Steve Smith based on size, speed and style of play.

[CRA]

I think Zylstra for special teams.  At least he gets a spot out of the gate to start the season off. 

Next is whoever earns the job job to attempt return punts.  I don't think Shi is a given at that considering he has never returned a punt.  Punt return is a really weird job.  Got to have that in your DNA I think.   Tons of guys can do kickoffs.  Few can handle the PR duty. 

 

[chbright]

Shi Smith really has to screw up to not make the top 6 imo. Think he's tough enough that he will do anything for a spot, even ST gunner and possible returner. So that's the 4th. Also looks to be Cooper's replacement. Personally I would have him as a specialist all year: learn to be a kick and punt returner and refine that craft. 

 

David Moore might have a slight edge on experience and that's about it. If they think someone else can do as good a job then he shouldn't make it over the guy that's on a cheaper deal. So right now I have him in the hot seat but firmly in at 5 till camps get underway.

Bayless is the wild card to me. He turned a lot of heads in camp. Sucked he went down last year and didn't really get to take hold of a spot. He is Moore's strongest threat. Add Kirkwood as the #3 guy to battle for #5. But I don't think the saints-brady connection matters quite as much year 2.

Zylstra had a leg up as a ST guy for #6. Now he could have threats from the DB group that didn't play last year can contribute on ST if they want to keep the WR group more offense focused and not stash an additional ST guy there but in the DB group. Now if Shi can come in and play on all the ST packages kinda like cooper, that hurts Zylstra a little bit. But until camp think he's kinda solidly on the roster 

 

EDIT: Tremble likely takes a spot on every ST unit so that likely affects the necessity of a true WR gunner. 

Edited May 3, 2021 by chbright

[Moo Daeng]

1 hour ago, Zod said:

Its possible, but with CMC being the best slot receiver on the team I am not so sure. They really need an extra O-Lineman. 

They are going to want to linup with a slot receiver and CMC in the backfield most of the time

[LinvilleGorge]

I just hope that when we're looking at the last few spots, particularly at WR, DB, and LB that special teams ability weighs heavily. I'd like to see us largely move past the days of retaining "core special teamers". Ideally those special teamers should largely be developmental guys. I'd like to see us stop burning valuable roster spots on guys like Karl Hankton and Colin Jones if we can.

[SetfreexX]

Locks: 3

Moore / Anderson / Marshall 

Penciled in: 2

Davide Moore - Physical prowess similar to DJ's, makes a lot of contested catches vertically, has the 3rd most experience behind DJ and Robbie

Shi Smith - Has a build, and athleticism that should make him a good fill in for Curtis, he's not as thick as Curtis, but is closer to a true WR vs Curtis who was a true hybrid

Special Teamer: 1

I think this spot goes to Zylstra because he's been available, and has in game experience, this could easily be Kirkwood as he brings a bit more as a receiver, but he was hurt all year, I believe he only appeared in one game. 

PS:

Bayless / Kirkwood or Zylstra (if eligible) / Simon

Edited May 3, 2021 by SetfreexX

[rayzor]

1 hour ago, Its The Milk said:

David Moore, Shi Smith, Brandon Zylstra. 6 total.

This

[section543]

Always liked Sullivan and seems like he functioned more as WR at LSU than TE.

if he pans out, he could be a versatile piece to reduce number of WR carried.

[davos]

Shi Smith and David Moore make it 5.

The 6 spot will come down to

Zylstra v Bayless v Kirkwood

I’d like to see Bayless make the team but we’ll see!

[CarolinaLivin]

Bayless has to make his self available. I think he opted out of last year. But there are too many players. He has to show toughness and a WANT (hunger) for being on that field.

Panthers love competition in every room, EXCEPT QUATERBACK ROOM apparently lol but that's for a different thread 

[LinvilleGorge]

7 minutes ago, CarolinaLivin said:

Bayless has to make his self available. I think he opted out of last year. But there are too many players. He has to show toughness and a WANT (hunger) for being on that field.

He got injured. He actually came into camp already injured and it got worse leading to surgery. That lingering knee injury probably played a significant role in him going undrafted.

[OldhamA]

2 hours ago, NAS said:

Bold prediction - Shi Smith will turn some heads in camp.  Reminds me of a young Steve Smith based on size, speed and style of play.

How come people throw Steve Smith comparisons around with every 5'9" receiver?

I never hear people throw around Randy Moss comparisons for... well, anyone.

Smith is in that same rarefied air for mine - just a unique, brilliant player.

[OldhamA]

1 hour ago, CarolinaLivin said:

Bayless has to make his self available. I think he opted out of last year. But there are too many players. He has to show toughness and a WANT (hunger) for being on that field.

Panthers love competition in every room, EXCEPT QUATERBACK ROOM apparently lol but that's for a different thread 

What competition would you have brought into the QB room this offseason? 

[Madwolf]

I think Moore is the only lock after DJ, Robby, and and Marshall.