CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers are contemplating whether to keep five, six or seven wide receivers entering the September 13 opener at Jacksonville.

They’ve kept five to begin each of the past two seasons, but the depth is better now. The loss of No. 1 receiver Kelvin Benjamin to an ACL injury made it tough to find a replacement, but easier to narrow the field.

Here’s how I rank the receivers whether it’s five, six or seven:

1. Devin Funchess -- I know he hasn’t played in the last two preseason games and he’s only a rookie, but at 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds he’s the only legitimate No. 1 receiver on the roster. In the one game he played he had two tough catches for 53 yards. Lock.

2. Ted Ginn Jr. -- He’s the team’s most dependable deep threat. He’s caught five passes for 83 yards, including four of seven targets from starting quarterback Cam Newton. He also is the team’s best punt returner. Lock.

3. Jerricho Cotchery -- He may be 33, but his experience is invaluable -- particular as a slot receiver where he’ll be used primarily this year. He’s caught all four passes thrown to him by Newton for 38 yards. Lock.

4.Corey Brown -- Despite all the drops -- four in Friday’s 17-16 loss to New England and two the week before against Miami -- and despite being 0-for-8 on targets from Newton, his ability to stretch the field and play multiple receiver spots is critical. He just needs to catch with his hands instead of his body, and regain his confidence. Lock.

5. Brenton Bersin -- Here’s where it gets tough. The former Wofford College star has three catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. He has caught the only pass Newton’s thrown to him. He’s sure-handed. He’s a good blocker. The coaching staff likes him a lot, and he can play special teams. Rivera said the battle for the last spot is close, and judging from recent comments it’ll come down to Bersin and Jarrett Boykin if they keep five. A lock only if the Panthers keep six.

6. Jarrett Boykin -- He leads wide receivers during the preseason with nine catches for 93 yards. But he’s been targeted 19 times, so he’s caught less than 50 percent of the passes thrown to him. He hasn’t caught a pass yet from Newton. A lock only if the Panthers keep six.

7. Mike Brown -- I really can’t see the Panthers going this deep with receivers without Benjamin. The only other option might be if they decide De’Andre Presley is ready to come off the physically unable to perform list and can contribute. Presley also can play corner. I put Brown here only because he’s shown flashes with the second- and third-team quarterbacks. He has five catches for 58 yards. Longshot.

The Panthers could go with five receivers and a fourth tight end or an extra running back. Regardless, I can’t see them keeping more than six receivers