Corey “Philly” Brown had some flashes as a rookie last year, with 21 receptions, 296 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He also made some noise in the return game, returning a punt for a touchdown and averaging 22.75 yards per kick return. Brown will likely relinquish return duties this year, and the Panthers will hope he can provide a deep threat on a team that lacks speed at the WR position.
Fantasy Upside
Brown is younger than Ted Ginn, faster than Jerricho Cotchery, and more familiar with the system than Jarrett Boykin, which should give him the opportunity to win playing time over the crop of players Carolina will trot out during training camp. He even has a pretty good chance of starting this season with Kelvin Benjamin out for the year with a torn ACL. Brown is a big play threat who improved as a route runner as the season progressed last year, and if he can be more consistent with his hands and his ability to separate, then he could do well if given the chance.
Fantasy Downside
A potential lack of playing time and the Panthers continued emphasis on the run game limit Brown’s potential as a breakout fantasy prospect. With the draft capital invested in Funchess, it seems unlikely the team will keep him off the field, and Brown still has to battle other players hungry for snaps, including the players above and possibly Brenton Bersin.
Bottom Line
Keep an eye out during training camp and the pre-season to see how high Brown can rise on the depth chart, and which of the slew of players vying for roster spots in the Panther receiving corps make the final 53. Brown’s spot on the roster is probably the most secure of any of the guys outside of Funchess, making him the best bet of the bunch. However, as a WR2 vying for targets with Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, he has limited upside in most fantasy leagues, and should be considered a later round bench option at best.
