Shula: 'Committee' will replace Kelvin Benjamin

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula isn't dwelling over the loss of wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for the season.

While Shula says it's a major loss, he points out the Panthers still have plenty of offensive talent even with Benjamin sidelined with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Shula said the Panthers will likely replace Benjamin's production at wide receiver "by committee," but is quick to add "eventually there might be a guy that emerges" into that No. 1 role.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Benjamin set Carolina rookie franchise records last season with 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns, so he will be missed.

Shula pointed to Corey Brown, rookie Devin Funchess and Ted Ginn Jr. as guys who are capable of filling that void at wide receiver — although the starting lineup hasn't been settled, the story said. Brown and Ginn are considered speed guys with big play ability, while Funchess is more of a possession receiver. Brown was an undrafted rookie out of Ohio State who emerged late in the season before suffering an injury. Ginn had one of his most productive seasons two years ago for the Panthers before signing with Arizona last season and then returning to Carolina this year. Funchess is our highest rated Carolina WR coming in at 39th on our list. We have Brown next at 67th.