Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers: Kelvin Benjamin needs to have breakout 2017

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:21 p.m. ET

Fansided, Raphael Garcia/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

With talk running wild about the weight of Kelvin Benjamin at OTAs, the Carolina Panthers wide receiver needs to break out in 2017.

The Carolina Panthers are looking to head into 2017 with the type of offense that many expected them to have in 2016. On paper, this unit looked like it was one of the most dynamic in the league, but fell short for a variety of reasons. As Cam Newton and company get ready for this season, one man needs to have a breakout season to prove he's the big play threat experts tag him to be: Kelvin Benjamin.

Benjamin is heading into his third season in the NFL and needs to have a breakout year to prove he deserves that designation. At 6-5 and 240 pounds, Benjamin has the size that offensive coaches drool over. When he's on the field he plays up to that size as he's cemented himself as a reception leader in this Panthers offense.

He looked very good at times in 2016, coming off of a dangerous knee injury that forced him out of the entire 2015 season. Benjamin struggled in some ways, but looked like he was on the cusp of returning to the form that brought him 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014.

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Heading into the 2017 season Benjamin has weapons around him that make him much more of a threat. Devin Funchess is also heading into his third season, but he hasn't experience the same type of performance that Benjamin has displayed.

Funchess seems to be more of a slow growth type player but his size also makes him a favorable target for Newton. When adding in the experience of Greg Olsen and the new additions in Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel, Benjamin is set to be a part of a new group of "super friends."

Newton needs Benjamin to have a big year. Since Steve Smith's departure from the team, the Panthers have looked for a big play wide receiver. Benjamin's shown that he has the tools to be that option, now it's time for him to prove that he has the acumen to be a leader and go-to option.

Funchess, Samuel, McCaffrey and others will look towards Benjamin for that leadership and stepping into that role is an important point for Benjamin at this point in his career. With OTAs in swing, Benjamin is saying the right things at the right time.

"I need to be in the best shape of my life. That's what we're getting to," Benjamin said as reported by Max Henison of Panthers.com. "I have to get back to being dominant. I wanted to come in and set the bar high for myself and let my teammates know that KB is back this year and he's ready to roll."

Carolina is leaning on Kelvin Benjamin having another huge year in 2017. With so many weapons available on this roster, it seems like the opportunities for Newton to connect with Benjamin will only increase. If Benjamin's performance is anything like the numbers he put up in 2014, he will prove that he's the offensive threat this team needs for the future.