So, Devin Funchess is a WR after all

Devin Funchess was a difficult draft prospect to evaluate this past spring, because it was unclear whether his pro projection was as a wide receiver.

Given his size and speed — 6-4, over 230 pounds, and a 40-yard dash time in the 4.7s — there was a section of analysts that saw him as a tight end.

I didn’t see him as a tight end (thanks largely to blocking that would make Jimmy Graham look like Jim Kleinsasser), but more as a Marques Colston-type player – a big slot receiver – who needed to be put in the right position to succeed by the offense.

Colston has a similar body type and speed combination and came into the league with the same questions about whether he was actually a tight end, but the Saints knew that while he wouldn’t succeed every down out wide as a true No. 1 receiver, he could excel working the middle of the field against zones and slot receivers who don’t have the sideline for help.

The Panthers, at least judging by last night however, see Funchess as just another tall receiver they can target. Funchess had two receptions for 53 yards, with both coming aligned split wide as either the X or Z receiver. The first one was a dig route and the second a nice sideline grab down field against Bills rookie Ronald Darby.

Just maybe Funchess isn’t a tight end, and isn’t a Colston-style big slot receiver. Maybe he’s just a tall wideout who runs a 4.7.