There is a lot of buzz in Panthers Nation right now surrounding the comeback of Kelvin Benjamin, and rightfully so. Benjamin was literally a huge piece of the offense two years ago. His return is very important. However, not enough attention is being paid to what could be an even more important development. Namely, the improved play of Devin Funchess.

Last year I sat down with Devin in studio for an hour long podcast (you can listen below this article). What I came away with from that conversation was just how green Devin was when it came to football. That was something the media really did not key in on. Devin was more of a basketball guy than a football guy for most of his life. He really had only been heavy into football for a couple years. This goes a long way in explaining his slow and gradual improvement throughout the 2016 season and post season. The good news? He finished the year looking like a legitimate NFL wide receiver.

Fast forward to spring of 2016, the Carolina Panthers rookie camp and Devin Funchess.

While standing on the sidelines and observing the action, I noticed Devin Funchess on a cart taking it all in as well. I have attended the past ten or so Panthers rookie camps, and have never seen a veteran player there, until Devin rolled in. Devin casually watched practice while talking about the NBA, the heat from his rookie year, and how the rookies on the field look. He wondered why Keyarris Garrett went undrafted, which many of us are still wondering. But the point here is that he was there, a step beyond a voluntary workout.

Over the past two weeks, Devin has looked like the most improved player on the field (at least to my own eyes). In fact, he looks as good if not better than Kelvin Benjamin did his rookie year. Devin has gained separation, caught everything thrown his way, and has made play after play after play. He looks like a completely different player than at this time last season.

His “Kelvin-like” improvement makes sense, considering both Kelvin and Devin were both Gettleman graded first round draft picks. Devin’s only down side was just how green he was, but maybe more a shade of teal these days after a full season under his belt. Funchess is a lot like the rookie Kelvin.

However, Funchess has one big advantage over Benjamin. He can play all three receiver positions. When it comes to the passing game, he is truly the X-Factor. Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula can place him anywhere on the field where he feels a mismatch may be lurking. For this reason, Devin Funchess may have a more positive impact on the Panthers offense than Benjamin.

So while you should absolutely stay amped about the return of Benjamin, save a little bit of that juice for the arrival of Devin. You won’t be sorry.