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 first Cat that I look to Chronicle is out of Duke:

Jamison Crowder            WR        Duke        5’9 /175lbs.

Why he is a good fit:

Coming in at  #8 is a backyard baller that would excite me greatly if the Panthers draft in the fourth round.  He is not very big, but he is both fast and quick.  He has been clocked at 4.51 and will shoot up Draft Boards if he tops that at the Combine.

The Panthers were terrible at the Punt Return position in 2014.  And even when we had Ginn, he struggled as a Receiver.  I see Crowder as a guy that would add excitement and production into the Punt Return game while also adding another element to our Offense.  Even though they play different positions, Crowder reminds me of Darren Sproles.  He’s that spark plug that the opposing team has to account for and thus opening the entire field for the other playmakers to do their thing.  He was also very productive at Duke with over 1,000 yards in each of the last two years..  I think he would be a best fourth WR in our Offense that comes in on third down and spreads things out.

Things he needs to work on:

Like Lockett and Dorsett, he will have trouble holding up against the bigger DBs that play press coverage.  At his size, 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:

Did you know that Crowder is from Monroe, NC?  Straight down Independence Blvd?  Did you know he was 2nd Team All-American in 2013 as a Punt Returner?  He had 4 Punt Returns returned and tied the All-Time ACC receptions record with 283.

Bottom line:  

Crowder is an explosive and productive player that could be a big time contributor to the Panthers as a Punt Returner.  He also could fit in well as a slot receiver and he could have a Darren Sproles type impact on the Panthers.  I will be very excited to welcome him to Panther Nation if his name is called.

And it is a bonus for us to get to hear David Gettleman call him Crowda for the next 10 years.

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

Mel