4 Carolina Panthers players who caught the eye at OTAs
By Dean Jones
Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR
There is some quiet intrigue about what Shi Smith can bring to the Carolina Panthers. The wide receiver made a lasting impression in front of the team’s coaching staff at the 2021 Senior Bowl and was taken in the sixth round, which might be a significant steal when it’s all said and done.
Smith has certainly looked the part according to multiple reports at OTAs.
This follows on from a strong rookie minicamp from the former South Carolina standout and if he continues this trend at training camp, then a role on the rotation in Year 1 of his professional career is not out of the question.
The wideout room is pretty full in Carolina at the present time, although a couple of departures are expected before we get down to the nitty-gritty of camp.
Whoever is part of the offensive scheme in Week 1 will have earned it and there is nothing to suggest Smith is not going to be a strong contender for targets if he keeps up this level of production.
Carolina lost the services of Curtis Samuel after he left in free agency for the Washington Football Team. It might need to be a collective effort to replace his production, with Smith’s ability to make plays from the slot something that could be of use moving forward.
Sixth-round selections normally take a year or two to fully adjust to the next level. But judging by Smith’s initial transition, he could be the exception to the rule.