If there is one lingering question for the Carolina Panthers, it centers around their wide receivers. The team let go of some of their biggest playmakers including Brandon LaFell and Steve Smith. They failed to sign Hakeem Nicks in free agency or others like Julian Edelman and Eric Decker. Instead the Panthers drafted FSU star Kelvin Benjamin and surrounded him with other veterans. The Panthers lack of targets could end up making Benjamin a fantasy football bust in 2014.
Benjamin has some high expectations entering the 2014 season. He and quarterback Cam Newton have been working one-on-one all during the preseason to quickly develop chemistry as Carolina needs the rookie to step up as an immediate starter in Week 1. However, as Benjamin becomes the clear favorite for targets, does the lack of support surrounding him make him bad for fantasy rosters?
According to the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers are concerned that Benjamin will attract double team coverage from opposing defenses every week. Given that Carolina lacks a stout group of wide receivers, opponents are aware that Benjamin will be the center piece of the team's offense and opt to target him on each play. Avant and Cotchery are possession receivers making Benjamin the only speedster on the roster that will stretch the field. That could be an issue going forward. Behind the three receivers will be reliable tight end Greg Olsen, but outside of those four is not much.
The Panthers are trying to combat the issue with late-season moves. They signed former New York Jets receiver Stephen Hill who has yet to live up to his potential in the league. He is currently placed on the team's practice squad until he gets up to speed with the offense and can be placed onto the 53-man roster.
Carolina has faith that Hill can become the receiver he was meant to be with coach Ricky Proehl. Hill has the size and build to match up well next to Benjamin. He was a second-round draft pick in 2012 for a reason and did post a 4.36 40-yard dash time at the combine. He struggled in the inconsistent offense of the Jets and the Panthers are hopeful that having Newton at quarterback will push Hill along quickly.
Until he makes his way on the field, Benjamin will gather all of the attention from defenses. That may or may not work out well. Without deep threats like Ted Ginn Jr on the field, a lot is expected of the rookie, possibly too much.
