Similarly to their running back unit, the Carolina Panthers made some upgrades to their receiving corps this offseason. But in another stroke of likeness, Pro Football Focus doesn’t seem to be all that moved.
PFF recently ranked the Panthers’ wideout group as the second-worst in the entire NFL. Trevor Sikkema, who settled them into the 31st spot, writes:
You could make a case for the Panthers being ranked last on this list. But I wanted to give some respect to veterans Adam Thielen and Hayden Hurst, who have been added to this group to at least elevate this receiving corps’ floor.
Terrace Marshall Jr. could be in for a big season, which would be huge for them. Plus, I have a lot of faith in rookie Jonathan Mingo, especially in the second half of the upcoming season once he gets his feet wet. They also have D.J. Chark to stretch the field for them if they open things up.
It’s one of the least appealing groups on paper, but it might not be as hopeless as many think.
That lack of appeal could have something to do with the uncertainty of the room’s pecking order. As stated by wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson a month ago, the corps is currently under construction—even despite the four notable additions in Thielen, Chark, Hurst and Mingo.
The Panthers are also hoping to see a few familiar youngsters step up in 2023. Expect possible No. 1 option Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr., who head coach Frank Reich (kinda sorta) compared to Deebo Samuel, to get their respective opportunities to crack into the game plan.
And hey, at least they’re better than one bunch right now. Sorry, Houston.
