5 Carolina Panthers players who could become breakout stars in 2022
By Brian Emory
Terrace Marshall Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR
Another member of the Carolina Panthers 2021 draft haul, former LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. should see more involvement in the offense next season.
Marshall himself would likely be the first to tell you that he had higher hopes for his rookie season. After only compiling 17 receptions for a meager 138 yards, it would be fair to label his opening year in the pros as a disappointment considering he was a second-round choice.
In defense of Marshall, it would have been a tall task for any rookie pass-catcher to succeed in Carolina’s atrocious excuse for an offensive product in 2021. As a rookie, the wideout had to endure three different starting quarterbacks and two offensive coordinators.
After the first month of the season, Carolina’s offense struggled to sustain any sort of consistent rhythm. Considering the unit as a whole was mired by so much inconsistency, it was always going to be difficult for Marshall to acclimate himself.
If Matt Rhule is to save his job past the 2022 season, the offense is going to have to take a serious leap forward. With a playoffs-or-bust mandate on the horizon, expect the Panthers to use most of their offseason assets to bolster this side of the ball.
This could mean upgrades to the offensive line, the quarterback room, or perhaps both.
Regardless of how the offseason unfolds, the Panthers’ offense should improve at least to some degree next year. After all, how could it get much worse?
The offseason also serves as an opportunity for Marshall to continue refining his craft in a setting where he’s surrounded by NFL personnel.
Assuming D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson return in 2022, Marshall has a legitimate chance to establish himself as the third receiver on the depth chart by the time September rolls around. Whoever assumes duties as Carolina’s new offensive coordinator should also look to get him more involved in the red zone, as he has the physical profile to become a very dangerous threat where the team has recently struggled.
It’s far too soon to be worried about Marshall. Historically, Carolina receivers tend to be late-bloomers.
Some of the franchise’s great all-time receivers such as Muhsin Muhammad, Steve Smith, and Moore all needed a few seasons before becoming reliable every-down targets. For Carolina’s sake, let’s hope Marshall is the next to add his name onto this list.