We’ve finally come to the end of our position analysis series, and we’ve saved the best for last: the wide receiver position.

Number on the Roster: 11

Probable Starters: Steve Smith (No.1), D. J. Hackett (No.2), Muhsin Muhammad (No.3)

Ever since the Panthers let go Moose back in 2004, they have constantly been looking for a replacement for him, a decent number two receiver who can take some of the double team of Steve Smith. One of Head Coach John Fox and General Manager Marty Hurney’s main goals of the offseason was to get Steve Smith that extra help, and it looks as if they succeeded in doing so.

The first move the Panthers made was releasing Keary Colbert, a chronic under achiever after a promising rookie season, while letting the number two receiver from last season, Drew Carter test the free agent waters. With this move the Panthers showed that they were going to revamp the wide receiving corps. After letting Colbert and Carter go, the Panthers went out and resigned Muhsin Muhammad. For me, this is huge because when Moose is on the field he is a great second option that Delhomme trusts, and can pickup a needed third down easily with his size, not to mention the fact that he is a great run blocker as welll. Even though Moose is 35, he is a better option than either Colbert or Carter, and adds some needed experience to the position.

The second, and probably the biggest addition of the offseason, was the pickup of D. J. Hackett from the Seahawks. Though Hackett has had some durability issues which has hindered his play in the past, his size and speed put him in line to the second starter behind Smitty this season. Hackett is a good contrast to Smith, who is a little smaller and quicker, and will definitely draw some of the double coverage off Smith, which means bigger plays from the Panthers best player.

I don’t think much needs to be said about Smith, who still managed to get ever 1,000 receiving yards last season with Vinny Testeverde and David Carr throwing to him. With the addition of Moose and Hackett, Smith will be able to do some serious damage to opposing defenses. I don’t think he’s going to win the triple crown this season (leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns) because the offense should be much more balance this season, and Tom Brady and Randy Moss are crazy good, but I would expect him to be around 1,800 yards by the end of the season.

So, after taking a look at the probable starters, lets look at some guys who could see some action. I really think Dwayne Jarrett is going to have a breakout year this year, and is a definite sleeper. Jarrett struggled last season, but appears to have made strides this offseason, both on the field at summer school, and off the field with his DUI charge. Jarrett has received a lot of praise from both coaches and players, and has the potential to pass Moose on the depth chart. Even if Jarrett is behind Moose, he will add good depth to the position, something the Panthers have lacked since their Superbowl season with Smtih, Moose, and Ricky Prohel. Ryne Robinson also looks like he could be in position to get some action at wideout. Robinson was drafted in the fourth round of last year’s draft to return punts (which is also what Steve Smith did his rookie season). With Jonathan Stewart taking over kick returns this season, Robinson should get more work at reveiver and could be another supprise.

Looking at the position I think it is one of the most solid positions on the team along with linebacker. There’s the big play potential with Steve Smtih, the reliable 10 yard grabs with Moose, and the number two Hackett taking off double teams with this combination, the Panthers look to have one of the top ten receiving corps in the league. Speaking of which I was surprised that ESPN’s rankings of teams wide receivers put the Panthers at number 14, they should at least be number 10, but hey, it keeps them under the radar, which is what they like.

Final Position Grade: A-

Tags: carolina panthers, Position Analysis, Wide Receiver