We gave the wide receiver group with the Carolina Panthers their very own power rankings ahead of training camp.
The Carolina Panthers go into 2020 with some outstanding wide receiver weapons. They appear to be a very talented group that has the capability of putting significant points on the board under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
The former LSU passing coordinator masterminded the Tigers’ historic campaign in 2019 that saw them clinch a National Championship in convincing fashion. And there is real hope that Brady can have a similar impact during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
Competition for game time is set to be extremely fierce during a potentially shortened training camp and preseason. One could make a case for any wideout on the Panthers’ to make the 53-man roster. But how they impress before competitive action gets underway is going to be crucial.
Carolina is also expecting free-agent signing Teddy Bridgewater to be a more accurate presence under center next season. This was an area of significant concern in the absence of Cam Newton through injury. And the former New Orleans Saint looks to have all the tools necessary to thrive in Brady’s scheme.
There are still plenty of questions to answer regarding the Panthers’ defense in 2020. They are relatively inexperienced and will need to come together quickly to perform well. This is going to come with some growing pains. But the team could still stand half a chance of surprising people if their offensive players live up to expectations.
We ranked the current wide receivers ahead of a crucial camp for the franchise in the coming weeks.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: TreVontae Hights
TreVontae Hights comes into the Carolina Panthers with plenty to prove after going undrafted in 2020. The wideout didn’t see much time on the field for TCU during his four years in the college system. But head coach Matt Rhule must have liked what he saw on tape to give the player a chance to shine in camp.
It’s hard to gauge just what sort of things Hights can bring to the Panthers. He is an extremely raw prospect and it might be better for him to spend some time on the practice squad to fully get up to speed with what it takes to be an NFL receiver.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: DeAndrew White
DeAndrew White has relatively no experience in the NFL in terms of time on the field despite his relatively advancing age. He did manage to haul in four of nine targets for 51 yards in 2019. But this was mostly in garbage time when nothing was on the line.
Given the number of weapons that the Panthers have at arguably their strongest position depth-wise. It would be a big surprise if White managed to stake a claim for substantial targets nest season.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Damion Jeanpiere Jr.
There was a lot to like about Damion Jeanpiere Jr. coming out of college. He ended his final season at Nicholls with 44 catches, 850 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. This also included a lofty yards-per-catch average of 19.3 to further highlight what a significant deep threat he can be.
This has not made a smooth transition to the NFL as yet. And Jeanpiere Jr. will need to show out during cam in order to avoid the practice squad once again.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Ishmael Hyman
Ishmael Hyman was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster in 2019. But he found chances obviously limited with the presence of stud tandem Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Whether he can stake a claim for an increased role with the Carolina Panthers could ultimately come down to how he performs in the preseason. And there is a chance some fringe players may not see as many targets as normal if the NFL reduces the schedule to two games.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Brandon Zylstra
Brandon Zylstra showed glimpses of what he is capable of for the Carolina Panthers last season. He possesses some good intermediate route-running ability and assured hands that came in use whenever he saw the field.
Zylstra collected eight receptions from 12 targets on his way to 106 yards and a yards-per-catch average of 13.3. He will need to impress a brand-new coaching staff this time around. But he heads into camp with more momentum than most.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Omar Bayless
Omar Bayless was one of college football’s most prolific wide receivers last season at Arkansas State. This made even more surprising that the player went undrafted. But he represents an enticing option for the Carolina Panthers providing he plays well enough to earn a longer commitment in training camp.
Bayless ended his final year with 93 receptions, 1,653 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns with a yards-per-catch average of 17.8. There are some questions about whether he can create the same sort of separation at the next level. But he does have some eye-catching skills that could be a real asset providing the wideout makes the most out of this opportunity.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Seth Roberts
Seth Roberts found opportunities limited in the Baltimore Ravens’ run-first offense last season., That being said, the receiver did enough to earn a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency that could be worth $3.75 million if he reaches his targets.
There is plenty of ways that Roberts can be used in the Panthers’ offense going forward. But this is a loaded position and he is going to need to reach his ceiling quickly in order to seal some notable game time.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Pharoh Cooper
Pharoh Cooper has all the makings of a dynamic player in Joe Brady’s offense with the Carolina Panthers. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. And the wideout also possesses immense elusiveness that can be a nightmare to bring down.
Cooper will also be tasked with providing Carolina with good field position in his expected role as a kick and punt returner. But he is also going to see plenty of the field in special packages and in four-receiver sets. There are so many ways that the former Arizona Cardinal can be utilized, and he arrived with the Panthers coming off the best season of his career.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Keith Kirkwood
Keith Kirkwood’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Joe Brady could give him the edge in terms of winning the No. 4 wide receiver spot in 2020. The pair worked together in 2018 and he became a player of real interest for the organization during free agency.
Although Kirkwood doesn’t boast a strong resume given his lack of experience. What he does have is superb athletic traits and a solid football IQ. This is going to be something that will benefit the Panthers. And quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is another that knows what the player can offer.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Curtis Samuel
Big things are expected of Curtis Samuel in 2020. The player finally began living up to his potential in 2019 with career numbers across the board. And another step up with more consistent play from his signal-caller is not entirely out of the question.
There is a lot riding on next season for Samuel and the Carolina Panthers. He is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and if he can take further strides forward, it is going to come with a substantial pay rise either with the organization or somewhere else.
The Panthers will have much more financial resources available in 2021. So there is a chance Samuel gets paid by the franchise in relation to just how much production he gives them.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: Robby Anderson
One of the more prominent free-agent arrivals for the Carolina Panthers was their acquisition of Robby Anderson from the New York Jets. The speedy wideout penned a two-year, $20 million deal with an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed. And this will come with significant expectations going forward.
Having another strong weapon on the outside is going to further bolster an offense that is littered with players who can produce. Anderson might not have reached the 1,000-yard mark during his career so far. But this was down in no small part to some inept quarterback play at MetLife Stadium.
Anderson should also get more room to work with. So the sky is the limit in terms of what he is going to achieve in 2020 and beyond.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver power rankings: D.J. Moore
There is nothing that D.J. Moore cannot do on the field. He enjoyed a breakout in 2019 on his way to his first 1,000-yard campaign. And another big year for the player could see him in the talk for best wideouts in the NFL.
Moore’s achievements last season were even more impressive given the poor quarterback play he had to contend with. He is the Carolina Panthers’ undisputed No. 1 receiver and is another that might be getting a big payday if he can best his production from last season.
He is someone that can now be relied upon consistently. And this is something the organization hasn’t really had for a prolonged period since Steve Smith departed.
Everything is in place for Moore to be a star in the NFL. And Joe Brady’s offense looks tailor-made for him to succeed.