Carolina Panthers receiving coach Ricky Proehl couldn't say for sure whether receiver Devin Funchess is ready to be the No. 1 receiver.
Panthers not officially naming Devin Funchess as WR1, but fantasy value continues to soar
Devin Funchess is now the hottest property at the end of drafts, but that may not last for long. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
"Funchess, it puts a little more pressure for him to come on," Proehl said. "But the good thing is we’ve got great character guys in our room.’’ The Panthers lost their No. 1 guy with Kelvin Benjamin suffering a torn ACL this week. Now, the team with arguably the worst depth at receiver is without its best guy for the season. Head coach Ron Rivera did say Funchess will be focusing on Kelvin's work.
While the Panthers won’t say it for sure, Funchess is the heavy favorite to resume the role as the X receiver. Unlike Benjamin, Funchess isn’t a great red-zone threat based on scoring just four touchdowns at Michigan last year.
Anytime a receiver is set to be the top guy in a passing offense, fantasy owners absolutely have to take notice. That is exactly what they’ve done, with his ADP rising two rounds in the past two days. Owners are eyeing him in the 12th round today and that number will continue to rise.
Considering his upside, he’s fair game at any pick around 100. It pays to hit home runs late in drafts, and if he stinks you can just cut him. You won’t be able to sneak him late in any competitive league.
