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 Auburn:

Sammy Coates         WR        Auburn        6’2  /214 lbs.

Why he is a good fit:

Coming in at #2 is a polarizing prospect.  Folks love him or hate him.  I love him.  Yes, he dropped his share of passes.  But he is the perfect guy to take the top off of a defense.  There will be no eight men in the box when Sammie’s on the field.  Our running game will take off just for that reason.  Also, Benjamin will find space in the intermediate routes that he was blanketed on last year.  

Coates averaged 23 yards per catch in 2014 and played injured.  He is expected to run sub 4.4 at the Combine and bench presses 400 lbs.  He is a freak of nature and I will be thrilled if he is the choice at #25.  The only reason he isn’t #1 is if we can get tomorrow’s candidate in the second round, that would have a little more value while freeing up the first pick for a Tackle or BPA.  

Things he needs to work on:

He dropped 19.1% of his passes.  He will need to live at the Jugs machine and that is not the name of a bar.  He will have to practice in that area.  But I have seen him make multiple contested grabs and he has risen during big games (Over 200 yards vs Alabama)

Something you might not know:

Coates signed a deal with Under Armour just like Cam did.  Sammie was a red-shirt Freshman when Cam was at Auburn.  Don't underestimate that familiarity.

He had a nice showing at the Sr. Bowl and showed Coaches that he is more than a deep threat. Also, he spoke of memories about going to the Senior Bowl as a kid (grew up near Mobile) with his father (who died in a work accident when Sammie was in the 5th grade).  He recalls his Dad saying “you’ll be in that Senior Bowl game one day.”  I think that is pretty cool.

Bottom line:

Sammie Coates is a great and rare athlete that will take the top off of the Defense.  He may drop a few passes, but he will impact every aspect of the Offense and I see him having the work ethic to improve on his drops.  He also is a punishing blocker that will fit in with our run-first scheme.

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

Mel