5 young Panthers players who may beat out veterans in camp

Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR

It wasn’t a big need going into the 2021 NFL Draft. But that did not stop the Carolina Panthers from acquiring two promising wide receivers who could become integral parts of the offense sooner rather than later.

Terrace Marshall Jr. was an opportunity the Panthers couldn’t pass up at No. 59 overall, especially when they found out the New Orleans Saints were about to take him with the very next selection. They later utilized a sixth-rounder on another enticing player who comes from a little closer to home.

Shi Smith turned on the style during his time with South Carolina in college. He does his best work out of the slot and is a big play waiting to happen should the opportunity arise. So it wouldn’t be a great shock to see him stamp his authority on the Panthers and force his way into their plans immediately.

Smith can line up on the outside, in the slot, or as a running back. This versatility is highly sought after by the Panthers and his ability to gain considerable yardage in the return game is another potential way Carolina could use him in 2021.

It’s a loaded wideout room despite Curtis Samuel leaving in free agency for the Washington Football Team. Smith has his work cut out trying to generate targets with others ahead of him at this stage. But the talent to do it is undoubtedly there providing his transition to the pros is a smooth one.