Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will be armed with some mammoth height this season with the addition of rookie wide receiver Devin Funchess. Both Funchess and second-year wide receiver receiver Kelvin Benjamin stand at a beastly 6-foot-5.
With his sights set high, the rookie out of Michigan has some pretty bold predictions for the team’s wide receiver group in 2015:
“We’re going to be a dynamic duo, two 6-5 guys out there on the outside just making damage and causing havoc on the field,” Funchess told the Detroit News last week. “You never see that type of duo in the league, two 6-5 guys on the outside that are athletic and that can run and go up and get the ball. Nobody has that wingspan in the league like us, so it’s going to be fun during the season.”
Considering Newton often fires high when targeting receivers, another tall target will certainly help.
Funchess’ proclamation comes shortly after he announced that his goal is to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
He also said we never saw him in at his full capacity in college:
“We never got to see the full Devin Funchess at Michigan because I did play one season at wide receiver, and I was battling through an injury. I think up here in the NFL I can make some damage.”
Funchess played tight end during his first two seasons at Michigan. As for 2015, Funchess adds to a diverse receiving unit that also contains Ted Ginn, Jerricho Cotchery, Corey Brown and Stephen Hill. In addition to this, a 6-foot-6 Greg Olsen will continue to be Newton’s primary target at tight end.
Why shouldn’t Funchess set his goals high? Benjamin produced extremely well in his rookie debut with 1,008 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Newton may just have the next up-and-coming dynamic duo at his disposal this season.
At the very least, the pair could present trouble for opposing defensive backs.
Photo: USA Today Sports