Carolina Panthers 53-man roster projection surprises

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 31: Damiere Byrd #18 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after scoring a touchdown with teammate Curtis Samuel #10 of the Carolina Panthers during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith, D.J. Moore, Jarius Wright, Curtis Samuel

Drafting wide receiver D.J. Moore and adding veteran Torrey Smith significantly improved the wide receiver group but may have pushed out another likely candidate. Damiere Byrd really started to make an impact toward the end of last season with receptions in four straight games, a two touchdown performance against Green Bay and a scoring kickoff return on special teams. However, he becomes the odd man out in this group.

Byrd and second year receiver Curtis Samuel appear to be battling for the final position available. Both possess extreme speed and the ability to return kicks and punts but who impresses the most over the next two weeks may play themselves onto the final roster.

Depending on the number of players kept elsewhere, the Panthers could also carry six wide receivers, keeping both available.

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