3 Carolina Panthers players with overlooked potential in 2023
- The exciting TE
- The do-it-all weapon
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players come into the 2023 campaign with overlooked potential under Frank Reich's new coaching regime?
There are many across the regional and national media that have the Carolina Panthers as frontrunners to clinch the NFC South title in 2023. That might seem crazy considering the vast alterations from top to bottom within the organization over the spring, but it's a division in flux and there for the taking if everything clicks right away.
Frank Reich and his staff covered every base during their preparations. There are no wasted movements or reps at camp, leading to a far more professional approach and overall purpose from the most established players to those at the depth chart's basement.
Opportunity knocks for the Panthers. But in order for Reich's men to thrive immediately with Reich leading the charge, they'll need many individuals to turn their promise into better production when it counts.
With this in mind, here are three Panthers players with overlooked potential under the much-improved regime in 2023.
Laviska Shenault Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
Although the Carolina Panthers signed Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark to be their go-to guys at the wide receiver position, it's a little too soon to be giving up on Laviska Shenault Jr. just yet. The former second-round selection continues to flash moments of brilliance without doing enough for an increased role, but more opportunities with Frank Reich and Thomas Brown's expansive scheme could arrive if he proves capable of handling such responsibilities throughout camp.
The Panthers are expected to spread the football around without a true No. 1 wideout after trading D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears. Shenault's lined up almost everywhere across the line of scrimmage during drills so far, even occupying backup duties in certain situations in pursuit of maximizing his outstanding physical attributes.
This versatility and ability to generate yards after the catch make Shenault a dangerous weapon within Carolina's new offensive scheme. He's also got some extra motivation to produce in a contract year.