In 2014, Carolina's top three leading wide receivers were all first-year Panthers – evidence of the group's massive overhaul. The transformation continued this offseason with an intriguing second-round draft choice and the addition of a familiar face in free agency.
The potential is high for this group, and the production will be expected to match it.
RETURNERS
Kelvin Benjamin
2014 first-round pick quickly emerged as the No. 1 receiver and led the team with 1,008 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches. ... The physically imposing target played in every game and recorded 73 receptions, the most among Carolina's wideouts. ... Displayed incredible play-making ability and will look to become more consistent in year two.
Jerricho Cotchery
11-year veteran joined the team as an unrestricted free agent and became the leader of a young group of wide receivers. ... Finished with 48 receptions for 580 yards and one touchdown. ... Sure-handed target has established himself as a dependable possession receiver throughout his career.
Corey Brown
Undrafted free agent forced way into the lineup and gave offense much-needed speed downfield. ... Played in 13 games with 21 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns. ... Rushed eight times for 95 yards. ... Averaged a team-leading 9.6 yards on 16 punt returns for 153 yards and one touchdown. ... Returned a team-high 12 kickoffs for 273 yards. ... One of the top performers during OTAs appears ready for expanded role.
Brenton Bersin
Played in 15 games with one start and recorded 13 catches for 151 yards and his first career touchdown. ... Averaged 6.1 yards on 14 punt returns for 86 yards and returned seven kickoffs for 167 yards. ... Has earned the coaches' trust after three years with the team and has developed into a steady pass-catcher.
De'Andre Presley
Played in four games in addition to spending two games on the practice squad after being activated from the physically unable to perform list. ... Suffered a concussion versus Cleveland in Week 16 and was placed on injured reserve.
Stephen Hill
Former second-round draft pick of the New York Jets spent the entire 2014 season on Carolina's practice squad. ... Impressed coaches and teammates with patience and willingness to learn and will battle for playing time.
Marcus Lucas
Former undrafted rookie spent the entire 2014 season on the Panthers' practice squad. ... Tallied 130 receptions for 1,638 yards and 11 touchdowns at Missouri.
ROOKIES
Devin Funchess
Selected in the second round after Carolina traded up 16 spots to get him. ... Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection played in 37 games with 25 starts at Michigan, recording 126 receptions for 1,715 yards and 15 touchdowns. ... Blend of size and athletic ability gives offense another big target with physical tools to contribute right away.
Damiere Byrd
Undrafted free agent played in 47 games with 20 starts at South Carolina. ... Totaled 68 catches for 1,265 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a long of 94 yards on his first career touchdown.
RECENTLY ROSTERED
Ted Ginn, Jr.
Re-joined the Panthers after a year with the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded 14 receptions for 190 yards. ... Revitalized his career with Carolina in 2013, posting 36 catches for 556 yards and five touchdowns. ... Speedster remains one of the most dynamic punt and kick returners in the NFL.
Jarrett Boykin
Played in 13 games with three starts for the Green Bay Packers in 2014. ... Recorded three catches for 23 yards along with four tackles and two forced fumbles on special teams. ... Posted 49 receptions for 681 yards and three touchdowns the previous season.
Mike Brown
Played in the first five games with one start for the Jacksonville Jaguars and was inactive for the next six before spending the last four games on practice squad. ... Finished with seven receptions for 88 yards.
