Will a Nutt and King lead Carolina?

By John Laub
John Laub

Fantasy football fanatics have enjoyed tremendous production from Panthers’ QB Cam Newton during the past three seasons. However, enthusiasts are now concerned about the Carolina signal caller’s fantasy production after a puzzling off-season in which the Panthers jettisoned their top three wide outs: Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn.

Does Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman have a plan? While it does not appear obvious, Gettleman still has options available in the free-agent market and the draft to upgrade the position. Carolina signed veteran Jerricho Cotchery and could still snatch a rookie like Kelvin Benjamin or Brandin Cooks in the first round.

And believe it—or not—but two untested (and intriguing) little-known prospects decorate the Carolina roster: Marvin McNutt and Tavarres King. Neither is a household name nor have even made an NFL catch; however, both have talent and may contribute next season. Fantasy Diehards need to watch the progress of McNutt and King. Below are profiles of both youngsters to mull over during the upcoming months.

Marvin McNutt, Iowa

A prolific pass catcher for the Hawkeyes who set school records in yards (2,861) and touchdowns (28) during two-and-a-half seasons. Named All-Big Ten after a terrific senior campaign in 2011. A big target at 6’2” and 216 pounds with large hands. A late bloomer in college who moved from quarterback to wide receiver. Uses frame well, good leaping ability and big catching radius. Some quickness and can avoid the jam at the line of scrimmage. A long strider with deceptive vertical speed and tracks ball well. Plays confident and fearless over the middle. Stupendous body control and hand-eye coordination. Neither a polished route runner nor a special teams’ contributor in college. Lacks explosiveness and fails to quickly change direction in order to gain separation. In 2012, drafted in the sixth round by Philadelphia and saw very limited action before being cut last spring. The Panthers claimed McNutt off the Miami practice squad last season. May very well have benefited from two seasons on the sidelines, honing his skills and yearning to illustrate his abilities in the NFL. Has a legitimate chance at earning a starting position on the Panthers and a fascinating player to watch.

Tavarres King, Georgia
After a nice tenure in Athens, Broncos fifth-round pick last year. Got caught in a numbers game in Denver and was released early in the season. Panthers acquired King two days later. As a senior, led FBS in yards per reception (22.6). Paced the Bulldogs in receiving in 2011 and 2012 with 47 and 42 catches respectively. A home run hitter who averaged 19.1 yards per catch and scored 21 touchdowns during his career. Catches ball cleanly and tracks passes into hands. Beat some top-level corners in the SEC. Good character player who is football smart. Gets jammed at the line and rerouted by physical defensive backs. Dearth of quickness prevents productivity in the slot. Occasionally drops passes and lacks concentration. Small by NFL standards at 6’0” and 190 pounds. As a Panther, worked with receivers coach Ricky Proehl, watching film and running precise routes. A fantasy long shot who could produce points if all the cards are dealt in his favor.