Curtis Samuel's recovery could play a role in how Panthers draft

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Wide receiver Curtis Samuel recently was cleared to run -- at least in straight lines -- which is good news for the Carolina Panthers.

But there’s still uncertainty as to when Samuel will be cleared for full football activity.

And that has to affect Carolina’s approach to the April 26-28 NFL draft on many levels.

A fully recovered Samuel would lessen the need for a dynamic receiver. The Panthers took the Ohio State running back/receiver in the second round last year to fill the role as a slot receiver. He never got the chance.

A nagging hamstring injury kept him out of most of the offseason workouts and training camp. A serious ankle injury -- ligament damage and a broken…