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Carolina Panthers: 4 players who raised their stock during OTAs

By Brandon Croce

May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) catches a pass during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) catches a pass during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Russell Shepard

The battle after Kelvin Benjamin on the depth chart is going to be one of the toughest training camp battles for the Carolina Panthers. The team already had talent like Devin Funchess, Keyarris Garrett, Brenton Bersin and Damiere Byrd before the moves this offseason.

However, free agent signing Russell Shepard may surpass all of them by the time the 2017 season opens up.

Shepard has spent a majority of his time on special teams but has brought a different kind of energy to practice and made plays as a wide receiver. He believes this is an offense that he can excel in according to Max Henson of Panthers.com.

"“I became real close to my head coach in Tampa, Dirk Koetter, and Dirk spoke very highly of Coach Shula’s offense,” said Shepard, who posted career bests with 23 receptions and 341 yards last season. “After seeing the first two weeks of install, I’m super excited to be in this offense. The receivers get a lot of freedom and I just have to take advantage of my opportunities, cut it loose and keep making plays.”"

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