Five wide receivers the Carolina Panthers could be targeting in the 2018 NFL Draft…
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney is making moves to bolster the offense around franchise quarterback Cam Newton, but still has work to be done. Especially after losing starting guard Andrew Norwell in free agency, the Panthers have holes that need addressing on both sides of the football.
Hurney attempted to right one wrong by trading for wide receiver Torrey Smith from Philadelphia but Carolina could still target a rookie receiver in the NFL Draft next month. While Smith is expected to start opposite Devin Funchess, the remainder of Newton’s options out wide have little experience, outside of Russell Shepard.
For a draft not particularly deep at this position, the Panthers essentially have two options. Either go all-in and move up in the first-round to grab the best prospect available or wait until later picks and hope their selection remains healthy, while developing faster than any of the current receivers.
Following is a look at those prospects who could fill in regardless of which direction the Panthers take.
Calvin Ridley – Alabama (6-foot, 189 pounds)
Projected Round: 1
Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley is arguably the best receiving prospect in the draft but where he will go in Round No. 1 remains a mystery. Carolina doesn’t select until later in the round at No. 24, meaning a trade would likely be required in order to move up and select the best prospect available.
While the addition of Smith makes this move less important, especially given the numerous roster holes elsewhere, it is not out of the question.
"In surveying sources from five teams, the most common name that came up as the top receiver was Ridley. The talented junior gets a lot of praise for his route-running, quickness, and generally having good hands. Ridley had 55 catches for 967 yards with four touchdowns for 2017, but his production was held back by Alabama featuring its ground attack while using a running quarterback in Jalen Hurts, who has severe passing limitations."
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Dante Pettis – Washington (6-foot, 186 pounds)
Projected Round: 3-5
Carolina has a history with Jet Award winners and Dante Pettis is the latest award recipient. Given to the best kick returner in college football, Pettis would not only add speed and a receiving option, but immediately give the Panthers a legitimate kick and punt returner.
After the revolving door of participants last season, at both positions, locking down a position with a pick capable of making an impact later in the draft would be beneficial.
"Pettis played well in 2017 with 62 receptions for 721 yards and seven touchdowns. He also passed DeSean Jackson to be the Pac-12’s all-time leader in punt returns for a touchdown with nine. Some scouts really like Pettis and say he is a smooth receiver who is fluid, fast, quick handed, and dangerous after the catch. Other sources have said they think Pettis lacks elusiveness, drops too many passes, and is just a guy."
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Christian Kirk – Texas A&M (5-foot-10, 201 pounds)
Projected Round: 1-3
Christian Kirk has impressed and may be just the receiving option Newton needs in the slot position, especially if another running back is not added. While running back Christian McCaffrey is capable of splitting out wide, he could be relied more on in the running game next season.
The jury remains out on Kirk and if he can truly be an impact player but if teams pass on him early, Carolina could get a mid-round steal by selecting the former Aggie.
"Kirk saw a lot of double coverage his direction in 2017, plus quarterback Kelly Mond struggled to get Kirk the ball. As a result, some teams are down on Kirk. A few teams said they had him graded as a 2/3 – a second- to third-rounder. One team said they had him as late in the first round, but another said Round 3. Kirk is a fast play-maker who really competes and has special potential for the NFL."
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Byron Pringle – Kansas State (6-foot-1, 205 pounds)
Projected Round: 5-7
A common thread for these receivers is their ability to also return kicks or punts and Byron Pringle is no different. While Carolina may have a legitimate return threat already on the roster, their inability to remain healthy last season leaves the position in doubt moving forward.
Pringle doesn’t have stats that jump off the page but he did average almost 25-yards a reception and the Panthers desperately need someone who can stretch the field. Pringle could be an interesting addition late in the draft.
"In 2017, Pringle averaged a sparkling 24.1 yards per reception. He totaled 724 yards and six touchdowns on 30 receptions on the year. Pringle also averaged 26 yards per kick return with a touchdown. In 2016, he averaged 29 yards per kick return and one score. Pringle went the junior college route after some off-the-field issues and will enter the NFL older than most rookies, as he is already 24."
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
DaeSean Hamilton – Penn State (6-foot, 202 pounds)
Projected Round: 3-5
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
After adding Smith via the trade executed by Hurney, the Panthers are set on the outside but will need one of their current receivers to fill in the slot position. Should they feel another option is best then DaeSean Hamilton would be the perfect solution.
Hamilton has shown excellent route running capabilities and has excellent size for a slot receiver. Depending on exactly what characteristics new offensive coordinator Norv Turner is looking for out of his third receiver, a mid-round pick could be used to add receiver depth.
"Hamilton totaled 53 receptions for 857 yards and nine touchdowns in 2017. At the Senior Bowl, he displayed that he is a good route-runner capable of generating separation and has generally reliable hands. Hamilton also contributed as a junior (34-506-1), sophomore (45-580-6) and freshman (82-899-2). At the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl, Hamilton was impressive with his ability to get open via his route-running and quickness. He is a smooth, polished receiver who could contribute quickly in the NFL."
The Panthers have other areas of need, especially after losing out on cornerback Bashaud Breeland due to a failed physical. The losses of starting players at multiple positions has likely put wide receiver on the back burner, but a few of these prospects could hear their name called in the later rounds when Carolina is on the clock.
Next: Panthers Free Agent Targets
If not, expect another season with a less than stellar passing performance from Newton and continued inability to stretch the field against their opponents.
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com