Dwayne Jarrett

Jarrett made his catches valuable to the Panthers, with nine of those 10 receptions moving the chains for a first down. While he was limited by the signing of D.J. Hackett, Jarrett was also quiet due to the fact that the Panthers have been deploying a number of sets with two tight ends instead of three receivers. Eventually, he could be a solid No. 2 behind Steve Smith, but Muhsin Muhammad didn't show any signs of slowing down in 2008. As a receiver entering his third NFL season, there could be some sleeper potential if things click and something happens to Smith or Muhammad, but he'll need a few things to break his way in order to have something larger than a limited role again in 2009.

Jarrett's rookie campaign was a complete disappointment, after he was expected to replace the production of Keyshawn Johnson as the team's No. 2 receiver. Instead, he struggled to see the field while catching just six passes for 73 yards over the seven contests that he appeared in. Things didn't get any better during the offseason, as Jarrett was arrested in March and eventually charged with DWI. With the addition of D.J. Hackett and the return of Mushin Muhammad, Jarrett won't be pressured into making an impact in 2008 while the Panthers have surrounded with him a veteran receiving corps capable to aiding his maturation during his second season.

With Keyshawn Johnson gone, someone other than Steve Smith has to catch Jake Delhomme’s passes. At 6-4, 219 and having graduated from USC, Jarrett is essentially a younger, faster version of Johnson. And when we say “faster version of Johnson” we don’t mean he’s fast for an NFL wide receiver. Still, other than his foot speed there’s a lot to like about Jarrett. He’s got long arms, tremendous hands, good body control and outstanding leaping ability. He’s not afraid to make the tough catch in traffic, and he excels in the red zone – he’s the all-time leader at USC in touchdowns with 41. Drew Carter’s also in the mix, but he profiles more as a No. 3, and Jarrett more readily fits the mold of a big possession target to complement Smith. (Plus, Jarrett has experience playing opposite players named Steve Smith).