Don't discount Bug Howard out of hand

[top dawg]

Brendan Marks of the Charlotte Observer did a nice little fluff piece on Bug Howard, assessing his chances to make the team. The paper admittedly says that he has an uphill battle, but suggests that he does have a chance because of his size. The way that the receiving corps is constituted really does make me think that perhaps Howard may have a better chance than some may think because Funchess is the only wide receiver that we have over six feet. And, Marks suggests that he is the only other receiver on the radar with Fun Fun's skill set. That, alone, may make the coaches and FO give him a harder look.

One thing that I didn't realize about Howard is that he is apparently familiar with Norv Turner's system. He learned it in Indy. This could be a scale tipper in theory, but the real test will be whether or not Howard can separate from receivers.

With decent size and incredibly great hands (four drops in four years according to the article), If Howard can consistently gain separation in camp, then don't be surprised if he beats out one of the smaller guys.

http://m.wbtv.com/story/38295666/does-panthers-receiving-corps-have-room-for-devin-funchess-lite-ex-unc-star-hopes-so

[DaveThePanther2008]

6 minutes ago, top dawg said:

Brendan Marks of the Charlotte Observer did a nice little fluff piece on Bug Howard, assessing his chances to make the team. The paper admittedly says that he has an uphill battle, but suggests that he does have a chance because of his size. The way that the receiving corps is constituted really does make me think that perhaps Howard may have a better chance than some may think because Funchess is the only wide receiver that we have over six feet. And, Marks suggests that he at be the only other receiver on the radar with Fun Fun's skill set. That, alone, may make the coaches and FO give him a harder look.

One thing that I didn't realize about Howard is that he is apparently familiar with Norv Turner's system. He learned it in Indy. This could be a scale tipper in theory, but the real test will be whether or not Howard can separate from receivers.

With decent size and incredibly great hands (four drops in four years according to the article), If Howard can consistently gain separation in camp, then don't be surprised if he beats out one of the smaller guys.

http://m.wbtv.com/story/38295666/does-panthers-receiving-corps-have-room-for-devin-funchess-lite-ex-unc-star-hopes-so

I will be pulling for him but have no idea who he is going to pass to get a roster spot.

[Cyberjag]

Howard might get a spot on the practice squad, but that's as far as his ability will take him.  Bersin is 6'3", ran a 4.5, knows all the WR spots in our system, and has shown he can make a catch against an NFL defense.  He's also at home on his couch.  I wouldn't read too much into the height thing...

[tondi]

Only way he makes the roster is if there are a rash of injuries, God forbid. 

[DaveThePanther2008]

34 minutes ago, Cyberjag said:

Howard might get a spot on the practice squad, but that's as far as his ability will take him.  Bersin is 6'3", ran a 4.5, knows all the WR spots in our system, and has shown he can make a catch against an NFL defense.  He's also at home on his couch.  I wouldn't read too much into the height thing...

I agree he is a huge long shot but Turner loves the big WR and we only have one.

Slim chance but not zero chance.

[Jeremy Igo]

OK, who would you cut to keep him on the roster?

[CashNewton22]

I love Bug but I see him as a practice player at best on this roster. We do need another big target in the wings in case of injury so imo best case scenario is Bug plays well and doesn’t get signed by another team and we can stash and develop him on the practice squad.

[DaveThePanther2008]

3 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

OK, who would you cut to keep him on the roster?

Assuming he is near the top of the WRs fighting for a job.  If he could beat out Wright that wouldn't be a bad thing.   If Bryd has a crappy preseason and we find another option for PR, Byrd could be a idea.

I personally like the group of Funchess, Moore, Samuel, Smith, Byrd and Wright.

Byrd would have to go on IR or have a REAL Bad preseason to lose his spot.  

[top dawg]

1 hour ago, Jeremy Igo said:

OK, who would you cut to keep him on the roster?

Wright or Byrd would be the obvious picks.  

I could be wrong, but I don't believe that the FO has the luxury of just picking players based on potential (or being fan favorites), to the overall detriment of the entire receiving corps and how it's constituted. You always have to look at chemistry and fit, and it's not really smart to have damn near similar pieces when you're trying to figure out the puzzle. You have to have a good mix and variety, especially in the event of injury.

Mind you, I'm not saying that you pass up an obviously superior player or playmaker, but if Howard proves to fit that particular possession receiver, chain mover type skill set---especially if he shows the ability to get open, uses his big body efficiently and displays exceptional hands---then he might be perceived as having more overall value than having another smaller fast guy.

[steven8989]

1 hour ago, Jeremy Igo said:

OK, who would you cut to keep him on the roster?

Smith and then you save five mil!

[t96]

He’d be lucky to land on the PS

[SOJA]

I'd love him on the PS but weirdly enough the Panthers are deep at WR and unfortunately he probably isn't making the cut 

Funch, Samuel, Moore, Smith, Byrd, Wright all seem like locks to make the roster

[sml1950]

The Panthers need a tall WR on the PS to back up Funchess in case of injury and to groom for next year If we can’t resign.  I don’t know if Howard is that player, but Hurney has to plan for someone.