Carolina Panthers: Top questions on offense entering training camp

Can Curtis Samuel develop into a starter?

There is no question that Curtis Samuel is an explosive playmaker when he gets the ball in his hands. However, Panthers’ fans didn’t get to see much of that his rookie season, a season that was injury riddled and never was able to really get on track.

The former second round pick was limited for most of the year due to a hamstring injury that lingered from training camp. When he seemed to be over that and looked to be developing a role in this offense, he suffered a broken ankle against the Miami Dolphins that ended his season.

Samuel is healthy now but the competition will be tough to move up the depth chart. The Panthers drafted D.J. Moore in the first round, traded for Torrey Smith and signed free agent Jarius Wright. These three will be competing with Damiere Byrd for playing time behind Devin Funchess.

For Samuel, his biggest competition will be fellow speedster Torrey Smith. The veteran wide receiver has made a career of the explosive play and would seem to be the favorite to start opposite Funchess.

The injuries last year set Samuel back and he is entering this season seemingly as an unknown. A strong camp could help him make the case that he should be starting in this offense.