The Carolina Panthers traded up in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Devin Funchess from Michigan. The 6’4″, 225 pound receiver/tight end hybrid was a handful for defenses in college, and the team needed to get Cam Newton a new target in the passing game; preferably one who was both tall and versatile. Funchess fit the bill.
Unfortunately, the rookie failed to show up in the beginning of the season, grabbing only seven catches in the first seven games. However, he worked hard to build a rapport with Cam, and finally, in week eight, caught his first touchdown pass in a solid performance against the Green Bay Packers. In the final game of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Funchess had career-highs in both receptions (seven) and receiving yards (120) in a game, along with his fifth touchdown of the season.
Watch Out For Devin Funchess in 2016
Although he only finished last season with 31 receptions, 473 yards and five touchdowns, the second-year man is set to make a big impact with Carolina. Here are a few reasons why Devin Funchess will be a big sleeper next season.
1. The return of Kelvin Benjamin.
After a strong rookie campaign, Benjamin was poised to have a big 2015 season, but tore his ACL in the preseason. Now, he is making strides in OTAs and could be a 2016 Comeback Player of the Year candidate. Having Newton’s favorite target not named Greg Olsen back in the passing game only means one thing for Devin Funchess: improvement.
Newton virtually has a skyline of receivers for this upcoming season. Benjamin is 6’5″. Funchess is 6’4″. Olsen is 6’5″. Undrafted free agent rookie Keyarris Garrett, who looks like he will make the roster, is 6’4″. With so many tall targets, teams will not be able to double team anyone, meaning all should have big seasons, especially Funchess.
2. His rapport with Cam.
Benjamin’s injury last season may have actually been a blessing in disguise for both Newton and Funchess. It took away Newton’s security blanket, forcing him to spread the ball evenly. For Funchess, it allowed him to get plenty of looks from Newton. Sure, there were some growing pains for the duo, but by the end of the season, Newton taking Funchess under his wing paid off.
3. Experience.
It might sound cliché, but experience is the best teacher in the NFL. Having a year under his belt, especially one in which he was forced to play under tough circumstances, is going to pay off huge dividends for Funchess.
4. Versatility.
As previously mentioned, Funchess played at both wide receiver and tight end in college. Most of the time, he played in the slot during his 2015 campaign. Although he lacks the speed that generally accompanies slot receivers, he found success playing at the position.
The beauty of Devin Funchess’ form is that he is so versatile. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula could line Funchess up on the outside, inside, or even at tight end opposite of Olsen, and the young man would still be a huge contribution to this offense.
The Carolina Panthers have done a fantastic job of building a receiving corps around Cam Newton that complements his playing style, and Devin Funchess is a huge part of that group. Expect big things from him in 2016. The fan base certainly is.
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