Projections for Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver group in 2020

Omar Bayless

• Seven receptions, 110 yards, zero touchdowns

All signs point to undrafted free-agent Omar Bayless making the 53-man roster. He has left a considerable mark during training camp despite missing some time with knee soreness that will now require surgery. And new head coach Matt Rhule is confident he can bring something to the Carolina Panthers in 2020 once he is ready to come off the injured reserve list.

Bayless had plenty of momentum arriving in Carolina after one of the most productive college campaigns of any wide receiver in the country. It was a huge surprise that he did not hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft. But others’ loss might be the Panthers gain going forward.

Just how much time Bayless will see the field in a competitive setting is another matter. This is a deep wideout group heading into the season. And the coaching staff has no idea how the player is going to perform with no preseason games on the schedule.

There is no real pressure on Bayless regarding an immediate contribution. But it is vital he makes the most of whatever targets come his way.

Brandon Zylstra

• 15 receptions, 170 yards, one touchdown

Brandon Zylstra has been catching the eye at training camp thanks to his assured hands and ability to create separation in the red zone. This is another useful tool for the Carolina Panthers to call upon during the campaign. But he is another than finds himself fighting for targets on the depth chart.

The wide receiver made a good impression after being claimed off the waiver wire late on in 2019. A full offseason with the team has further familiarized himself with a brand-new scheme. And his ability to get valuable yards over intermediate routes is something else that might work in the player’s favor.