Carolina Panthers: Top 5 breakout candidates in 2020
By Josh Linares
2. Curtis Samuel (Carolina Panthers WR)
After arriving with the Carolina Panthers as a second-round pick in 2017. Curtis Samuel has been more of a rotational receiver rather than the starter he wants to be.
Samuel has had some really big plays in Carolina. It seems every time he gets the ball, the player has a chance to take it to the house.
Last season was the first time Samuel got more than 100 targets. And this is something he took full advantage of on his way to 54 receptions, 627 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
Samuel is a great compliment for D.J. Moore. They both are big-play receivers with great speed. And the presence of free-agent signing Robby Anderson should also allow the player to spend a lot of time in the slot, where he thrives.
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With the signing of Joe Brady as Carolina’s offensive coordinator, Samuel will see the ball a lot. Brady helped orchestrate the legendary season No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow and the LSU offense had on their way to a convincing National Championship triumph.
Brady also managed to get three different wide receivers over 1,000 yards last season. It’s safe to say he knows what he’s doing when it comes to a passing attack.
Samuel will get a lot of opportunities next season to prove he is a great receiver. And this will give him a chance to make the numbers he put up last season look small in the final year of his rookie deal.