Rashard Higgins – Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers didn’t get much out of their wide receivers in 2021. Bad quarterback play throughout the campaign didn’t help matters, but this failed to prevent D.J. Moore from going over 1,000 yards once again and those on the roster must raise their games accordingly this time around.
Carolina has kept faith with most that occupied roster spots last season. They clearly believe that the likes of Robbie Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Shi Smith can take the necessary leaps forward, with Brandon Zylstra’s reliability something else that could be of use in Ben McAdoo’s scheme.
One new addition to the wideout room was Rashard Higgins, who looked set for a productive career on the Cleveland Browns rotation before taking a significant step back last season. His 71.2 catch success rate in 2020 declined to just 51.1% during the previous campaign, which saw him fall out of favor quickly and moved on this offseason.
Whether Higgins can make a splash this season is unclear. Moore, Anderson, and Marshall are guaranteed roster spots, Zylstra’s special teams’ influence could also see him make the 53 and Andre Roberts’ ability in the kick return game secures his place.
This leaves Higgins fighting it out with others for depth chart position. Hopefully, he can rise to the occasion this summer and leave no doubt as to his importance, but there is just no telling for sure right now.