The Carolina Panthers are looking to do what Cam Newton did in 2015: bring the team to the Super Bowl. After years of rebuilding the squad, it seems like the black and blue might finally have some players that could help them reach their goal. As training camp winds down and the preseason begins, the roster is also starting to take shape.
It’s been a long road for the former Alabama player, but the team’s QB1 should stay Bryce Young. The first overall trade pick faced a lot of problems getting into the position, being taken out of rotation several times. Last season, the play and mentorship from QB2, Andy Dalton, seemed to help Young get his confidence back. It’ll be exciting to see the changes on the gridiron this season.
Chubba Hubbard seems like the obvious choice for RB1, but the addition of Rico Dowdle could change that. The former Dallas Cowboy is from the area, and a run with Carolina will be a homecoming. Hubbard will likely stay as RB1 with Dowdle getting RB2, but we could likely see some shift in that lineup early on in the season.
The race for wide receiver is extremely tight this year. Adam Thielen and Tetairoa McMillian are the two favorites to lead the room. Thielen has apparent seniority for the position, but TMac was drafted with Young in mind. While TMac will likely take over the spot of WR1, Thielen will likely keep the title until they’re sure McMillian will do well on the field. Xavier Legette is another player who will likely look to replace Thielen.
The room will have to be thinned out soon, which could prove difficult, especially with players like Hunter Renfrow, Jimmy Horn Junior, and David Moore on the payroll.
The tight end room is a battle for snaps, with Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders, and Mitchell Evans vying for play. Sanders, a draftee, made it clear that the Panthers were aiming to boost their offensive performance significantly. While Tremble might have the years under his belt, fans are looking to Sanders to help bring the team together.
The left tackle room is mostly set, though work still needs to be done. Right now, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu will stay in the top spot, but newly drafted Michael Tarquin will likely look for the moment to take over his position.
Damien Lewis is listed as the first-string left guard; however, he didn’t finish practice earlier this week because of an undisclosed issue. Brandon Walton filled in his spot. If he stays healthy, Lewis should have the spot, but we at least know that Walton would be able to jump into the position.
There’s an obvious lack of depth in the right tackle room. Taylor Moton will likely start, but it might be a tight race. Yosh Nijman joined the team as a free agent after playing with the Packers. He could easily take over the position if Moton doesn’t show up.
Robert Hunt has every right to stay on the starting list, especially with the protection Young needs. He deserves to take over the RG1 slot and work with Lewis to give QB1 support. Ja’Tyre Carter is currently sitting in the RG2 spot, giving the team the depth the position needs.
The fight for the starting center will be down to Austin Corbett and Cade Mays. Corbett has more experience, but Mays showed up well when Corbett was injured, and he was forced to step in. He showed off the team’s ability to shift perspective and become offensive threats. Mays might be the better choice, especially if Corbett can mentor him.
Derrick Brown will likely lead the defensive ends alongside A’Shawn Robinson. The biggest hope is that Brown stays healthy after being hit by injuries last season. If he were forced off, LaBryan Ray would likely be the best choice to replace him. Tershawn Wharton will need to make himself a little more known in the Carolinas before he’s brought up to the DE1 position.
Bobby Brown III is currently listed as the first-string defensive tackle on the Panthers roster, and he would be a good choice. The former Los Angeles Ram signed a contract with Carolina as a free agent, so we haven’t seen him in action inside Bank of America Stadium. He’ll be playing with Shy Tuttle, and while Tuttle has experience with the team, Brown has a better track record. He might be the best choice to start this season.
Without Shaq Thompson leading the way, it’s time for a new ILB to step forward, and there are plenty to choose from. Christian Rozeboom will likely step into Thompson’s position. Trevin Wallace could also take over, as he was initially drafted as heir apparent to Thompson. Both will likely have some starting role on the team.
Several younger players are looking to enter the outside lineback position, but D.J. Wonnum and Patrick Jones II will likely be the two looking to lead the position. Wonnum seemed to gain his stride last year after a delayed reveal. He was able to work across the defensive line and help bring some cohesion to one of the worst defenses in the league. He’s earned the spot of number one.
Fans can’t think of Carolina’s cornerbacks without thinking of Jaycee Horn. Horn has been a reasonably successful tool for the team and is the best choice to lead as CB1. One issue that the team might face is a recent car accident in which he was involved. While the injuries were minor, he could be out for part of the preseason. Shemar Bartholomew would be best to step in for him, with Mike Jackson taking over his title of number one.
There’s already a two-piece puzzle that’s been completed surrounding the Panthers’ safety positions. For strong safety, Tre’Von Moehrig is expected to start. He’s meant to help the team solidify the back end and improve the defensive run.
The free safety puzzle piece is Nick Scott. He was a key contributor to the special teams’ success last year. It doesn’t hurt that he has a Super Bowl background with the Rams. Carolina hopes working alongside Moehrig will allow for a more diverse play and stronger defensive rushing.
Matthew Wright is returning to his position as Kicker, which he will look to keep from Ryan Fitzgerald. Sam Martin is replacing Johnny Hekker, in hopes of bringing in a new voice. The team also welcomed back JJ Jansen. He’ll look to build on his franchise-record 260 games played. If the special teams needed a leader, they would look to Jansen for his years of experience and long history with the team.
Both the kick returner and punt returner are expected to be Raheem Blackshear, a position he held last season.
The Panthers have a long way to go if they want to get back to the success of the Cam Newton era, but there is hope. Young additions and a more aggressive O-line are definitely what Young needs to become the quarterback the team knows he can be. If Carolina can hold on to head coach Dave Canales and dodge injuries, they might see their first successful season in years.
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