Latest no reason to question kelvin benjamin as no 1 receiver

David NewtonJun 21, 2015, 08:00 AM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- That Carolina Panthers general manager said Kelvin Benjamin's weight was "much ado about nothing" apparently didn't ease everyone's mind.

The first question for Sunday’s mailbag addresses the issue -- again.

@DNewtonespn 2nd Hammy injury & reports of being overweight causing it, when do we start to question KB staying our #1? #PanthersMailbag
— Scotty Parker (@scottyparker25) June 18, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: First, Kelvin Benjamin was less than 10 pounds overweight. And coach Ron Rivera said the two hamstring injuries that kept the 2014 first-round draft pick out of most of offseason workouts "could" be the issue. He didn't say it was. If this was July 31, when training camp opens, instead of June 21 I might be mildly concerned. But it's only a hamstring and Benjamin has plenty of time to shed a few pounds. There is no reason to question whether he can or will be the No. 1 receiver. Barring a major injury, he will be. This issue should be closed.

@DNewtonespn what player do you think will have the biggest impact on the #Panthers this season. #PanthersMailbag
— Dylan Commander ® (@johnsweet13) June 18, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: If you said new player I would say first-round pick Shaq Thompson or second-round pick Devin Funchess. Or possibly left tackle Michael Oher, since his ability to protect quarterback Cam Newton will be huge. But since you said player, I have to go with Newton. He's in the best shape of his career. He has no nagging injuries. He's focused on getting his fundamentals down to improve his accuracy. I believe the stage is set for him to have his best season. As several Carolina players have said in the past, as Cam goes so go the Panthers.

@DNewtonespn Which former starters or active roster players do you see as being "on the bubble" at this point? #PanthersMailbag
— Tom Dunphy (@TomDunphy) June 18, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: I'd go with wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. I'm not saying he's in danger of not making the roster. The Panthers really love his leadership. But with the addition of Funchess and Ted Ginn Jr. at wide receiver, and with Corey Brown set to take a bigger role, it's hard to figure where he makes a major contribution.

Will the @Panthers look at tackles on the market if Oher does not work out? Like Sam Baker? @DNewtonespn @BlackBlueReview #panthersmailbag
— Chris Shinall (@chrisshinall) June 16, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: Not at this time. I'm not looking for any significant additions on the line unless there is a major injury in training camp, and even then I'm not so sure the addition would be major or an upgrade.

@DNewtonespn #panthersmailbag Given Carolina's slow starting run game--Do they spend more time in pass pro over run blk'ing during t-camp?
— Craig Schneider (@2himballglory) June 18, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: No. First, injuries on the offensive line, quarterback and running back impacted the run game early last season. The improvement at receiver, as well as the offensive line, should help kick start the running game from the get-go this season. Last season, teams stacked the box to stop the run because they had little reason to respect the passing game. If teams don't respect tight end Greg Olsen and wide receivers Benjamin, Brown and Funchess, there is plenty of talent there to make them pay.

NFL Nation

Mailbag: No reason to question Kelvin Benjamin as No. 1 receiver