Hi, Bryan. How do you think we will manage the wide receiver role next year? Will Funchess be the No. 2? Or will we have somebody entirely different paired up with Kelvin? – Xander in Indianapolis
More than thinking about whether Funchess will be the No. 2 wideout across from
Ginn (and
Regardless of who officially lines up at starter, the sky is the limit for an offense that led the NFL in scoring last season without Benjamin.
With the draft approaching, do you think the team will look to bring in additional WR talent (either draft or free agency), or is the team looking to give more opportunities to Norwood, Bersin, and Hill? – Joey in Charlotte
My pat answer is that the Panthers will draft a wide receiver if value presents itself, but they don't have to draft a wide receiver. Carolina often had just four receivers active for games last season, and Benjamin, Funchess, Ginn and Brown is a good place to start.
As for the other guys you mentioned,
"Stephen was with us in '14, an entire year on the practice squad, and he did a really nice job. We brought him back, and then he blows the knee (and misses the entire 2015 season)," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "Kevin came in late, and you have to learn the system. We do a ton of stuff at the line of scrimmage, and there is a learning curve there. Kevin really finished the season strong – the last six weeks of practice he did some really nice things."
Bersin does everything well and remains a reliable option. The current roster also includes speedster
I know the safety position is one the Panthers might look at in the draft. What is the possibility they resign
One year ago tomorrow, the Panthers signed the free agent to a two-year contract.
"Whatever role they want me to play I am willing to do," Coleman said that day. "But I think I have worked my way to be a starter. I know I can play as a starter and be very productive."
Indeed. Coleman came to Carolina with a reputation as a ball hawk – averaging an interception about every three starts but having started less than half the games his first five NFL seasons. He started 15 games with the Panthers and shattered even that pace, setting a franchise record for interceptions by a safety with seven and adding two more in the NFC Championship.
I don't know if there are any plans to extend his contract, but he of course will be back in 2016, and I could certainly see Carolina targeting the position this offseason. With Roman Harper not re-signed,
The Panthers thought enough of rookie