XL makes a list of sophomore breakout candidates

[panthers55]

1 hour ago, WhoKnows said:

Completely disagree. Being a contested catch monster like TMac is absolutely athleticism. WRs don’t just magically learn that. You’ll hear about it when people say he’s got great body control and snatches the ball away from defenders. That’s not learned. Same with body catching versus hand catching at 24+. At this point, you are who you are. You can improve a bit but someone like Amon-Ra St. Brown has been on his Jugs machines probably a couple hundred thousand times more than XL has been. You can’t just learn that in an offseason.

Oh well, the blind faith in XL is impressive. It’s like I’m talking bad about Steve Smith in his prime.

I already said things like speed and athleticism you either have it or don't. Like Tet's size and wingspeed. But a big knock on  Tet was that he didn't play as physically as you would expect given his size and strength. In fact he struggled against press coverage and couldn't get separation off the line or off the top of his break which is why he has so many contested catches to begin with. He was not great taking balls away like a Mike Evans was and would struggle against physical corners in the NFL. But he has what you can't coach. That is why we drafted him. What he lacks can be taught. 

Legette has good size and speed. He actually could get separation but couldn't catch the ball using poor technique. Once again those skills can be taught. Both Legette and Tet have great physical skills and will complement each other. They are clearly different but I don't share your belief that their deficits can't be coached or remediated. One question with both of them will be their willingness to be physical in the run game and play with aggression.

 

[jfra78]

1 minute ago, panthers55 said:

I already said things like speed and athleticism you either have it or don't. Like Tet's size and wingspeed. But a big knock on  Tet was that he didn't play as physically as you would expect given his size and strength. In fact he struggled against press coverage and couldn't get separation off the line or off the top of his break which is why he has so many contested catches to begin with. He was not great taking balls away like a Mike Evans was and would struggle against physical corners in the NFL. But he has what you can't coach. That is why we drafted him. What he lacks can be taught. 

Legette has good size and speed. He actually could get separation but couldn't catch the ball using poor technique. Once again those skills can be taught. Both Legette and Tet have great physical skills and will complement each other. They are clearly different but I don't share your belief that their deficits can't be coached or remediated. One question with both of them will be their willingness to be physical in the run game and play with aggression.

 

They knew XL was a project, but people want to give up on him because of some drops

[MHS831]

15 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

They knew XL was a project, but people want to give up on him because of some drops

Moose Muhammad was known for drops too. He had 724 yards during his first two seasons combined and only 1 TD.  His catch percentage was below 50%. 

He had a 14-year career and played in 2 pro bowls.

Edited 18 hours ago by MHS831

[jfra78]

11 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

Moose Muhammad was known for drops too. He had 724 yards during his first two seasons combined and only 1 TD.  His catch percentage was below 50%. 

He had a 14-year career and played in 2 pro bowls.

So was Terrell Owens and hes in the hall of fame

[MHS831]

36 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

So was Terrell Owens and hes in the hall of fame

I used to get frustrated with moose.  He dropped key passes---I remember one in the end zone that cost us the game-like XL.  

He is going to be fine.  Realistically, next year will be a bit developmental again. 

Steve Smith had 154 yards during his first season and I recall him fumbling a few times on punt returns to cost us a game or two.

It takes time-

[Gapanthersfan]

XL easily has the worst hands in the WR room, and I hope he realizes that. 

Coker. I’m telling you, Coker has XL in his sights this season. He’s going to be gunning for the WR2 spot. DAWG. drops nothing. great routes and technique and can throw a heck of a pass. 

Panthers have no intention of sitting XL and for now he’s the default #2, but he better watch his back. 

I just rewatched the Philly game. XL had 3, yes 3, drops on the panthers drive to take the lead in the 4th. Good passes. 3 drops. This team is committed to competing this year and repeat performances I’m sure will not be tolerated. 

Edited 16 hours ago by Gapanthersfan

[PNW_PantherMan]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

I used to get frustrated with moose.  He dropped key passes---I remember one in the end zone that cost us the game-like XL.  

He is going to be fine.  Realistically, next year will be a bit developmental again. 

Steve Smith had 154 yards during his first season and I recall him fumbling a few times on punt returns to cost us a game or two.

It takes time-

The better the pass, the more likely Moose would drop it.  It seemed like a lot of his drops were on good throws, but he would catch bad throws.

[MechaZain]

Still high on XL because we saw glimpses of greatness despite the deck being heavily stacked against him. I'm not ready to raise the alarm over drops considering that the guy was a rookie with a first year coach and the top option in an offense that sucked ass for most of the season. 

[shaqattaq]

On 5/7/2025 at 8:19 AM, Icege said:

This is going to be one of the more competitive camps we've had at WR in awhile...

The only locks are XL, TMac, and AT.

Coker and Horn Jr both have strong chances at making it.

I can see David Moore being WR6.

Renfrow might be the WR7 if they decide to carry that many, or he could join Dan Chisena on the PS (who gets stashed to help on ST more than at WR).

Yeah, I think Renfro and Moore are fighting for that 6th spot unless Horn struggles in camp. The loser goes to waivers. Really hard to know what Renfro brings to the table at this point other than a cool story and a guaranteed skyrizzi sponsorship.

[Gapanthersfan]

30 minutes ago, shaqattaq said:

Yeah, I think Renfro and Moore are fighting for that 6th spot unless Horn struggles in camp. The loser goes to waivers. Really hard to know what Renfro brings to the table at this point other than a cool story and a guaranteed skyrizzi sponsorship.

Horn and Hunter have that ‘it’ feel to me. 

Either Skyrizzi or Rimvoq. 100%. 

[DeAngelo Beason]

The drops were tough, but my main takeaway from last season was just how he was getting very open, very consistently.  I really think rookie jitters got the best of him on the drops.  I believe he's going to show out.