Is Samuel in a no win situation this season?

[micnificent28]

I think he has shown enough to warrant playing time and I’m sure many others feel the same way but, due to free agency and the draft the best possible position he could be in on the depth Chart is 4th. The additions of Smith,Wright, and Moore along side funchess is going to make playing time scarce.  Unless someone goes down with a Injury(God forbid) He is probably looking at 15 receptions 200 yards kind of season.

That said he himself can’t afford to miss time due to injury or he might never regain the coaching staffs trust, which it looks like they already weren’t planning on him contributing much with these signings. When watching him on the field I think no one on the team gets open at the rate he does and separation. I would love for him to get reps over Wright but even then that would just put him at 4.

[Jon Snow]

It would be incredibly stupid not to have him in the starting lineup on game day.   Smith and Wright are redundant, expensive and expendable.

 

[Byrdman4real]

Wright and Smith was just insurance for Samuels recovery and just in case DJ Moore wasn't picked. But now I see playing time and money problems.

[Saca312]

It’s inevitable Samuel will unfortunately have his playing time limited by Rivera’s “de facto nod for the Vets over the youngins” philosophy.

However, I still stand by my belief he has the most potential out of all the Panthers WRs.

[mc52beast]

Samuel will get his share of touches, coaches want to see what he can do and if he can stay healthy. Looking for big #s from him.

[CPF4LIFE]

Much as i like Torrey Smith there isn't much ceiling with him being a starter outside of providing experience. Unless we use some type of rotational system with the receivers Samuel should get significant PT going into the season at this rate, he is on fire.  And the sooner moore gets more reps the better. But with Riveras vet mentality, that might not happen. 

[Trill OG]

11 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

It would be incredibly stupid not to have him in the starting lineup on game day.   Smith and Wright are redundant, expensive and expendable.

 

Knowing Ron and his love for vets, expect Torrey Smith to start for the 1st 5 games until DJ Moore gets comfortable as a NFL WR. Honestly I don't know who the 3rd WR will be. It will probably be by committee Smith/Wright/Samuel will be fighting for that spot.

[AU-panther]

2 minutes ago, Trill OG said:

Knowing Ron and his love for vets, expect Torrey Smith to start for the 1st 5 games until DJ Moore gets comfortable as a NFL WR. Honestly I don't know who the 3rd WR will be. It will probably be by committee Smith/Wright/Samuel will be fighting for that spot.

If we start the game with a FB, I would guess Funchess and Smith.  First 3 receiver set will probably be Funchess, Smith, and Wright knowing Ron.

[Mikey818]

20 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

It would be incredibly stupid not to have him in the starting lineup on game day.   Smith and Wright are redundant, expensive and expendable.

 

Agreed the reason they were available is  they are jags Samuel can be a star

[Pimpdaddy]

Not sure how many touches he could possibly get competing against CMC and Olsen and Funch for balls...when you get your opportunity...do your job...it will get noticed.

[top dawg]

21 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

It’s inevitable Samuel will unfortunately have his playing time limited by Rivera’s “de facto nod for the Vets over the youngins” philosophy.

However, I still stand by my belief he has the most potential out of all the Panthers WRs.

Why you keep touting Samuel's potential over Moore's I'll never understand. It is simply too early to say that. In my opinion, you jump the gun way too much as opposed to just letting things play out. The only thing that Samuel had over Moore at this point is more experience---which quite logically equates to better route running---raw speed and possibly "quicks." 

Moore has an advantage in size, strength, hands and athleticism. Mind you, I didn't say that Samuel is not very athletic, just not able to break tackles and keep his balance as well as Moore. 

Now, I have cautioned people essentially saying that Moore has more potential  than Samuel to be our best WR, but now I'm going to caution you for saying that Samuel has more potential than Moore. Samuel has one more pro offseason than Moore, and went to a better program in college, so it's easy to see why he'd be ahead. But just because Moore isn't doing some of the things like getting off the jam at the line like Samuel right now, doesn't mean that he won't be consistently doing it by this time next season.

Basically, there is untapped potential and upside in both. Time will have to pass before we will credibly be able to argue who will make the greatest impact, or whose skills will translate to being the best Panther after all is said and done.

[panthers34]

Having depth is a great problem especially with how bad the drop off in talent was after Funchess late last year. Think of who our WRs were in that Saints playoff game...

We are extremely lucky to have Samuel as our 4th or 5th WR heading into this season. 

[top dawg]

Contrary to popular belief, Rivera is not blind and dumb, and neither is Turner. People cry about Ron's penchant for vets---hell, I've done it---but if a person has talent they will find themselves on the field in time. If they produce, they'll stay on it. Not worried at all. But, what I will say is that going against backups is not the same as battling among the ones. However, everything in good time. Trust the process!

[GoobyPls]

Him and Byrd have looked good, as they should against practice squad players. I just hope both stay healthy. 

 

Maybe be next season when Funchess and Smith are gone