The Carolina Panthers depth chart features some outstanding wide receivers, but how much impact can they have in 2020.
There are plenty of question marks surrounding the Carolina Panthers depth chart heading into 2020. Fortunately for new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the wide receiver group is not one of them.
For all the faults one can pick from the Panthers depth chart following a flurry of free-agent activity. There is real hope that the wideout group can take a significant leap forward in Brady’s scheme and give Carolina at least a fighting chance of being competitive.
The organization has done a good job of putting quality pieces around big-money signing Teddy Bridgewater next season. This should enable the quarterback to maximize his potential and possibly cement his starting spot for the duration of his contract.
New head coach Matt Rhule focused heavily on offense during free agency. And much will be expected of them with a young defense that will bring its own set of complications if they are not ready for the rigors of the NFL.
The wide receivers on the roster will be of paramount importance to any success that comes their way. If the passing game shows a marked improvement with a more consistent signal-caller under center, it will also take some of the pressure off All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who logged more than 400 touches in 2019.
There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the Panthers depth chart heading into training camp. It is expected to be a season of inconsistency during the first year of a rebuild and the wide receivers will need to stand up and be counted.
The projected starters
When one looks at the projected starting wide receivers on the Carolina Panthers depth chart. It has the potential to be one of the most prolific trios in the NFL if they are firing on all cylinders.
Big things are expected of D.J. Moore after he managed to secure his first 1,000-yard season despite the obvious limitations of those throwing him the football in 2019. He is a dependable presence on the outside that possesses a sharpness in his cuts that leaves opposing cornerbacks mesmerized.
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With Teddy Bridgewater expected to be a significant upgrade on the likes of Kyle Allen and Will Grier. The onus will be on Moore to make the most of a chance to become a true No. 1 wideout and one that could have a Pro Bowl-caliber season if he lines up to his potential.
The Panthers depth chart also features a notable free-agent signing in the form of Robby Anderson. The player reunites with former college coach Matt Rhule in Carolina after signing a two-year, $20 million deal that included an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed.
While the Panthers might have overpaid to acquire Anderson’s service. This is something that tends to happen more often than not in free agency and he is a player that could provide an instant level of production opposite Moore.
Anderson performed well for the New York Jets last season despite Sam Darnold’s inconsistency. Providing he settles into his new surroundings from the outset, the player could be a real asset for the franchise going forward.
The Panthers’ No. 3 receiver will be Curtis Samuel after the organization resisted the temptation to trade him during the draft. He is coming off the best season of his career and will no doubt have a chip on his shoulder after the intense speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.
Samuel is a tremendous intermediate route-runner whop has the capability of breaking off a big play. A good season for the player would also have some substantial financial implications in the final year of his deal.
The projected backups
While the Carolina Panthers depth chart at wide receiver seems set at the starting spots. There is plenty of competition for places for those looking to be the No. 4 wideout or aiming to secure a place on the rotation.
Seth Roberts was brought in during free agency after performing well when called upon for the Baltimore Ravens in 219. The Panthers gave him a one-year deal worth $3.75 million and he has the potential to provide the franchise with a big target they have been sorely missing on the outside in recent years.
Another arrival in free agency is Pharoh Cooper, who has been seen more as a special teamer during his career but caught 25 of 33 targets for the Arizona Cardinals last season on his way to a respectable rating of 70.3 from Pro Football Focus.
Cooper’s versatility is something head coach Matt Rhule has coveted in almost every player he has brought in during his short time at the helm. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has the chance to get creative when it comes to the former fourth-round pick and it would be a shock if he wasn’t used in specialist situations.
DeAndrew White, Brandon Zylstra, Ishmael Hyman, Damon Jeanpiere Jr., and Keith Kirkwood are others who will be striving to make the 53-man roster in training camp. But the arrival of undrafted free-agents Omar Bayless and TreVonte Hights could throw a spanner in the works.
The acquisition of Bayless is particularly enticing. The wideout was one of the most prolific receivers in the college system in 2019 and if he can take this confidence to the next level then it is going to be hard for the Panthers to not offer him a role in the set-up.