Ten Wide Receivers The Panthers Could Target in the Draft: #6 Devin Smith
/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 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 young man.
I see the Panthers needing speed, good route running, ability make plays (whether that be YAC or elusiveness) and Special Teams ability. 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 will end 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 Ohio State:
Devin Smith WR Ohio State 6’1 /198lbs.
Why he is a good fit:
Coming in at #6 is an explosive guy with good size and played on the biggest stage of them of them all. He averaged 27 yards per reception in 2014, so you know he would stretch the Defense. I love the fact that he got better every year and had 931 yards and 12 TDs in his Senior year. And all of that with three different QBs. He’s run a 4.4 40-yard-dash and with that at 6’1/198 lbs, that would be an awesome addition to Benjamin. He would be a great 3rd Round Pick if still there, but the Panthers would probably have to pull the trigger at Pick #57 to get him.
Things he needs to work on:
Smith does many things well but it would be nice to also get a Punt Returner and Smith didn't do much of that in College. And he’ll need to prove that he will go across the middle at the NFL.
Something you might not know:
Did you know that Devin Smith also competed in track at Ohio State? He sprinted and did the high jump. He tied for 2nd in the 2014 Big Ten Outdoor Championships.
Bottom line:
Smith is an ideal Third Round Pick for the Panthers this year and they may have to utilize a 2nd Rounder to get him. I think he could be a steal in this draft and could be just what the Panthers need.
What are your thoughts Panther fans? Leave your comments below.
Mel
