Triple-threat potential gives Damiere Byrd better chance to make Panthers

Damiere Byrd is trying to dispel the notion that all he brings to the receiver position is speed. He did not have to worry about that after being signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent this summer because Panthers wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl had no idea what he was getting in the former Gamecock.

“To be completely honest with you, I did not know anything about Damiere,” Proehl said. “But I do now.”

Byrd has been turning heads during the first two weeks of Panthers training camp, impressing coaches with his speed, and his route running and ability to catch the ball in traffic.

The rookie is one of 11 receivers vying for a spot on Carolina’s roster or practice squad, and he has caught the attention of his position coach.

“He’s a smart guy. He knows all three positions. He’s a good route runner; he’s got good hands. Obviously, we know he can take the top off a defense because he can flat out run,” Proehl said. “He’s been a pleasant surprise. He’s done a lot of great things. He can play at this level, that’s what he’s shown me.”

In addition to learning all three receiver positions, Byrd has been working as a kick returner and punt returner during camp.

He is hopeful his versatility will play into his favor as preseason practices and games continue.

“For a guy like me, being able to be a triple threat as far as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner, it gives me an extra edge that most guys don’t have,” Byrd said. “Right now, my mindset is just to make plays. If you start thinking about numbers and practice squad or the team then that’s when you really don’t play well.”

Byrd is one of four rookie receivers on Carolina’s roster, which features seven wideouts with two years of experience or fewer.

While making the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent is a tough task, Panthers coach Ron Rivera insists all his young receivers will be given an opportunity.

“We really haven’t projected anybody as far as clear-cut top five or six, but we’ve got a group of guys that are just showing every day, they flash constantly,” Rivera said. “We’re deep. This is the deepest I’ve seen that group in a long time, and it’s quality depth. I think your first four or five guys are really true quality guys and then you start looking at your six, seven, eight guys. These are young guys that flash.”

Rivera said the Panthers might keep as many as seven receivers.

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 4:28 PM.