Carolina Panthers top breakout player candidates for 2018

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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 13: Curtis Samuel #10 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Curtis Samuel, Wide Receiver

Coming back from an injury suffered in his rookie season, Curtis Samuel is going to be counted on to provide some big-play ability for the Carolina Panthers’ offense.

He had 15 receptions for 115 yards in his nine games as a rookie, along with four rushing attempts for 64 yards and 10 kick returns for 221 yards.

The Panthers need to continue to find ways to get Samuel involved, as he’s one of the most explosive athletes in the game.

He ran a blazing 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 Scouting Combine before the Panthers selected him early in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The big issue with Samuel will be finding him a position where he can consistently excel. The Panthers, like every other team in the NFL, would love for him to be their own version of a Tyreek Hill, but can he develop into that quickly, especially coming off of injury?

Time will tell, but he’s too good of an athlete not to make a major impact.

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