The Panthers have twelve linebackers on the team at the moment which seems like a lot. I assume that’s because they need depth for practice since Morgan will not see much action and Beason is holding out. Linebacker is also a key position for special teams so a couple of these guys may make the team based on special team play. I assume they will keep anywhere from six to eight linebackers. Of course, the Panthers play a 4-3 so we have three starting positions to fill. The locks to make the roster are Morgan, Davis, Diggs, Anderson, Seward, Shaw, Beason if he shows and Jason Kyle. Jason Kyle you might ask? See the explanation below.

Dan Morgan (6-2, 247, 7th) Middle Linebacker
Have I mentioned he had 25 tackles in the Panthers Super Bowl appearance? I’m sure I have. I’ll also never forget the interception against the Eagles to get the Panthers in the Super Bowl. Third all-time leading tackler for the Panthers and was the starting middle linebacker in the 2004 Pro Bowl. The Panthers need this guy to stay healthy.

Thomas Davis (6-0, 240, 3rd) Strong Side Linebacker
Thomas has been a bit of an enigma with the Panthers. Drafted as a safety he got bigger and moved to linebacker. Since then he has shown tons of talent but I wonder if he has the intelligence. Of course I’m biased a little towards thinking most UGA alumni aren’t too bright. Sorry about that. Thomas is in his third year paying LB and should have a break out year.

Na’il Diggs (6-4, 240, 8th) Weak side Linebacker
Diggs was the starter last year and didn’t really have a good year. He did battle some injuries though and all reports indicated he was healthy until the recent thigh injury he got in camp. Thigh injuries are painful but you can play through it without too much risk. Until Beason gets to camp he should remain the starter unless James Anderson comes on, which is possible.

James Anderson (6-2, 235, 2nd)
Anderson has been an adequate back-up but I don’t expect too much more from him given I rarely hear the coaching staff single him out for anything. If Beason continues his hold out and Diggs remains injured it falls to Anderson to man the weak side. Let’s hope he’s ready.

John Beason (6-0, 237, R) 1st Round, 25th Overall
I’m tempted to follow Fox’ lead and say I don’t comment on players not in camp. I think that would be unfair to Beason who really wants to be here but apparently the Panthers are playing hardball. It’s frustrating for the fans because we want the best players to be on the field, particularly the first rounders' who represent the future of the franchise. If he gets to camp soon he should push whoever is there for the starting weak side position. Here’s his pre-draft scouting report if you're interested.

Adam Seward (6-2, 248, 3rd)
Adam is a serviceable back-up at the middle linebacker position that also plays pretty good special teams. I don’t see him cracking the starting line up but he should make the team which I give a 90% chance.

Tim Shaw (6-1, 236, R-5th round)
Tim is the 5th round draft pick from Penn St. who should make the team. He played DE his last season at PSU but is obviously not big enough for that in the NFL. He can play either middle or strong side linebacker so I expect him to provide much needed depth there. Looking at his scouting report here’s something I like about him:

He competes as well as anyone in he draft and ranks with any defender as far as special team’s skills are concerned.

He needs to show some enthusiasm on special team to secure his spot on the roster but should be about 85% secure. On another note, take a look at his mug shot on the Panthers web site. What’s with that hair? Reminds me of Ace Ventura.

Jason Kyle (6-2, 242, 13th)
I did a double take on this guys’ age. I don’t think many linebackers last this long but there is a reason. He’s been our long snapper for the past six seasons and since I don’t remember much about him he must be pretty good. The only time you hear anything about a long snapper is when they screw up. I would say he has a 95% chance of performing those duties again this year.

Terrence Melton (6-1, 245, 4th)
Signed from the New Orleans practice squad in March, he lead the Saints in special teams tackles last year. It would appear that is exactly why the Panthers brought him in so it looks like he has a chance. We need to keep an eye on this guy during pre-season and see if he excels at special teams. If so, he would have a 50% chance of sticking.

Brandon Jamison (6-1, 232, 2nd)
Signed after the Falcons waived him earlier this year, he looks like another potential special teamer but otherwise I wouldn’t give him much of a chance, maybe 30%.

Philippe Gardent (6-1, 240, 1st)
Gardent  is the French bobsledder who’s trying to be the first player born in Europe and to never have played college ball to make an NFL roster. I would have thought that would have happened by now. I bet we keep waiting because I put his chances at 20%.

Mickey Pimentel (6-2, 238, UDFA)
Mickey is a UDFA from the Univ. of California who has a better chance of winning the lottery than making the Panthers roster. Seriously though here’s some info from his Panther bio.

Compiled 98 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions and five passes defensed for the Golden Bears.

Not too impressive. He better get to work on special teams. I got a nice nickname lined up for him if he does make it. Can you guess?