Carolina Panthers wideouts assume underdog role in rankings

The Carolina Panthers wideouts were ranked by Sports Illustrated.

Sports Illustrated ranked all of the wide receiving units in the National Football League, and the Carolina Panthers were below several. Placing at the No. 23 spot, that is certainly in the bottom half of the rest of the league. That spot is way too low, especially when you consider the talent that the Panthers have at that position.

For one, Curtis Samuel showed that he could be an explosive playmaker last season. Unfortunately, the recognition of that came at the midpoint of the season. By that time, it was too late to have Samuel become a consistent weapon in the offense. However, he gave us a glimpse of what was to come. Let me just say, he could be something very special in 2019.

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A weapon who was consistent was wideout D.J. Moore. He showed tremendous potential as a rookie, and he’s only going to get better. His speed and explosiveness were undoubtedly tremendous assets for Carolina. He finally gave Cam Newton the deep threat he had been missing for most of his career. The Moore-Newton connection should be something to watch in 2019. Now, with another offseason under their belt, they should have even more chemistry. That is certainly is scary to think about, and opposing defenses should be on high alert.

With the rankings published on Thursday, Sports Illustrated obviously did not put Chris Hogan as part of the wideouts. He is definitely a great pickup for the Carolina Panthers. He adds playoff experience and veteran leadership to a young wide receiver group. His nickname, for those who have not heard, is “7-11.” Due to the fact that he is always open, that is a tremendous nickname. Living in the New England area, I can certainly attest to that. Whenever quarterback Tom Brady needed a clutch catch, it seemed like Hogan was there to get the job done.

I get that the jury is out in terms of what Samuel can produce over the course of consistent targets in a full season. We know what Moore can do. We have sort of an idea on what Hogan can accomplish. Although Jarius Wright did not put up eye-popping numbers in 2018, he gave us a glimpse of what he could do in spurts last season.

There is too much talent on the roster to put them at the bottom of a list like this. The draft is coming up as well, and we could see the Carolina Panthers make a move for a wide receiver in the late rounds. There is still so much untapped potential with the wide receiver position. It is going to be fun seeing it all come together.

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