Ten Wide Receivers The Panthers Could Target In The Draft: #9 Phillip Dorsett

C3 is taking a look at 10 WRs that the Panthers could and should be targeting in the upcoming Draft.  We will Chronicle 10 guys (or Cats) and give you some little known information on them. 

This is not a ranking based on talent nor production.  This is who I see as the best fits for what the Panthers want and need to do to add juice to the Panthers Offense in 2015 and beyond. And we will get these in prior to the Combine that begins on Feb. 20.

There are four players that I did not include in my list as I just don’t see them either being there when we are on the clock, or I don’t see them as “Panther-type players." Those four are: Amari Cooper, Kevin White, DeVante Parker (who I don’t see as available at Pick 28) and I left out DGB as I don’t see anyway the Panthers take the risk with this troubled young man.

I see the Panthers needing speed, good route running, ability to make plays (whether that be YAC or elusiveness) and Special Teams ability.  And since the Panthers are a run-first team, I also look for players that are willing and able blockers both in the run-game and down field. The more of these traits a player has, the higher on my list they ended up.  

And I have to admit that the Combine could reshuffle this order, so I will put out a revised ranking after the Combine.  The next Cat that I look to Chronicle is out of Miami:

Phillip Dorsett        WR         Miami    5’10/195 lbs.

Why he is a good fit:

Coming in at #9 is a guy that would excite me greatly if the Panthers draft in the third or fourth rounds.  Like Lockett yesterday, he is not very big, but he is both fast and quick.  He has been clocked in the 4.4 range and some think he will shoot up draft boards after the Combine. Michael Irving predicted he runs sub-4.3.  We'll see about that.

He is a big play guy as he averaged 24 yards per catch this past year and he wracked up 10 TDs.  Miami was a run first team and heavily leaned on Duke Robinson.  He did not get great opportunities in Miami, but his speed and play making ability are apparent.  He reminds several folks of Mike Wallace and/or DeSean Jackson.  That type of speed would open so many possibilities up for the Panthers.  Benjamin would suddenly have space to roam since opposing Safeties would have to play deeper.

Why he may not fit:

Dorsett will have trouble holding up against the bigger DBs that play press coverage.  He also is not a proven commodity as he did only have 871 yards in his Senior season.  Also like Lockett, he would be a liability in the run game as I don’t see him getting out to a second level and taking on a 250 lb LB very well.  And for that matter, a bigger DB would be able to shake him loose and become an extra defender in the run game.

Something you might not know:

One of the best parts of the Draft is the stories behind the name.  Hopefully this section gives you reason to pull for some of these kids on Draft Day.

Dorsett was also a track star.  He ran 6.60 in the 60-meter dash.  That tells me that he is not only fast, but has a real quick acceleration.  I could see this guy doing real well and doing so early.

Bottom line:  

Dorsett is an explosive player that is dripping with potential.  He could be a big-time contributor to the Panthers and at the very least he would open things up for the rest of the offense.  He could fit in well as a slot receiver but I do not see him as an every down player and he may have trouble physically at the next level.  But I will be very excited to welcome him to Panther Nation if his name is called.

What are your thoughts Panther fans?  Leave your comments below.

Mel