With Devin Funchess becoming a free agent, the Carolina Panthers may look to dip into the 2019 NFL draft class for a bigger wide receiver to complement the skill sets of D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel. In this list, we will look at a few larger receiver prospects, so you won’t see guys like Marquise Brown or Deebo Samuel.
Here’s four players who could potentially fill the old Funchess role.
1. D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss: 6-foot-3, 228 pounds
If we’re talking about big wide receivers with good skill sets, we almost have to start with D.K. Metcalf. He measured in at six-foot-three, 228 pounds at the combine and posted 27 bench press reps. Metcalf has the build of the prototypical X receiver in the NFL and would be a nice complement to D.J. Moore. His numbers aren’t there but Ole Miss had a wide range of weapons, including A.J. Brown, Damarkus Lodge and Dawson Knox, so there were a lot of mouths to feed. He can be the No. 1 guy in a pro offense, not that he would have to be in Carolina.
2. Kelvin Harmon, NC State: 6-foot-2, 221 pounds
If the Panthers want to think regionally, Harmon is an option. He posted back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons at N.C. State and 11 touchdowns in that time, while playing with a quarterback that leaves a lot to be desired. No matter who the QB is, you usually don’t catch 150 passes in two college seasons without good hands. Carolina has been collecting playmakers at wide receiver for a couple of drafts with Samuel and Moore. Picking Harmon would continue that trend.
3. N’Keal Harry, Arizona State: 6-foot-2, 228 pounds
Harry weight in at 228 pounds in Indianapolis, the same as D.K. Metcalf. There has also been a lot of intrigue on Harry. Kyle Crabbs of Dolphins Wire and the Draft Network says Harry projects favorably as a prototypical X-receiver in the pros. Harry is another player that makes a living on high-pointing the ball and making contested catches using his frame. The production is clearly there with Harry. He averaged around 1,100 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
4. Hakeem Butler, Iowa State: 6-foot-5, 227 pounds
Butler is the tallest wide receiver at this year’s scouting combine and the only one who measured six-foot-five, while weighing in at 227 pounds. Will easily wins contested catches deep down the field but many wonder about his speed on the outside. He’ll need to take full advantage of his body to win against NFL cornerbacks, but the high upside is clearly there and Butler is a player that might be there later on Day 2 if the Panthers decide to go elsewhere early in the draft.
