WRs – If Jason Carter is fully recovered and picks up where he left off in last year’s training camp, I think he makes the squad and challenges Dwayne Jarrett for PT. Ryne Robinson might make it as the go-to PR/KR and as a backup WR. Goodson may challenge him for that role, and provide the added luxury of a 3rd RB. If the Panthers cut one, I think it’ll wind up Ryne Robinson or Mike Goodson…and I’m leaning towards Robinson. A lot of this is going to depend on 1) how Robinson and Carter bounce back from their injuries, 2) how well Goodson shows (as a RB, PR/KR, and WR), and 3) whether any of these guys get injured during training camp.

FBs – I don’t see Fiammetta displacing Hoover. Brad’s experience, production, and knowledge of the Panther’s offense is too great for a rookie FB (no matter how heralded) to overtake him in his first year. So Hoover wins this job easily. The only question that remains is whether or not the Panthers will carry two FBs. If they do, clearly, Fiammetta contributes on special teams as a blocker/tackler and serves as an insurance policy in the event Hoover gets nicked up. Or, Fox and Davidson might rotate Fiammetta in on occasion to spell Hoover and prolong his longevity if he’s been taking a pounding.

TEs – I think they keep all three of these guys again. Depending on how Rosario recovers from back surgery, I think there’s an outside possibility he could sit out the season on IR…in which case, we carry King and Barnidge for sure. And, we might pick up another TE or keep one around on the practice squad.

RGs – I think Vincent gets the starting role for his experience with the offense. But Duke Robinson will definitely make the team. I also suspect he’ll see playing time as a result of injuries to some of the other guys over the course of the season. Because of our focus on running the ball, I suspect the Panthers are always going to be reshuffling their linemen throughout the season. Seems to happen every year now.

QBs – I think it’s Delhomme, McCown, and Moore…in that order. Cantwell might make the practice squad, but that’s about all he can hope for right now. I also fully expect McCown to beat out Moore for the #2 job. He was #2 on the depth chart when they brought him in last year. I don’t expect that to change unless McCown looks terrible during preseason AND Moore lights it up at the same time. I don’t expect that to happen. So things stay the same.

Just my nickel’s worth,
—Neil

Goodson was picked in the 4th round.

Our #2 QB will be Josh McCown. His brother Luke I think plays for Tampa Bay and will probably back up Leftwich and Freeman as the #3 QB.

I think most of the predictions are spot on. The most interesting to me will be what happens at FB and #3 WR. The TE position is barely less than an extra OL in our offense, so I do not see us throwing a lot of pass their way no matter who makes the team. I do hope that either Rosario or Barnidge improve their blocking so we can use more of the 2 TE sets to run out of.

Actually Goodsen is going to be sooo dynamic at returning punts/kick offs, that they are going to have to use him in the 3rd spot. Actually that’s not my prediction, just my fantasy.

Not bringing Hoover back, and not starting Vincent would be big mistakes. They were both huge parts of our running game last year. And with so many questions this year, the last thing we need to do is start tinkering with our bread and butter.

   I think if the Patriots come after Peppers at this late date it should cost them dearly! Especially since our viable option to replace him just signed with the Dolphins. To little to late! We will just keep him unless they want to do Brady for Peppers. Yea ….I know this is just talk but so is a #2 for Peppers. Get real!
   About Hoover 8 years out of Western Carolina…..The time has come to move him on out. The QB position will fall to Moore down the line and McCown will be a footnote in the Panthers Registry. The job is still Jakes for atleast one more year! The offensive line will be fine and does it matter at TE….You can throw a blanket over the average group we have.

WR: I can’t imagine both Robinson and Carter making the team. They have redundant skill sets. Personally, I think Robinson’s just better, as both a receiver and returner. And yes, his injury could still effect him in some way. It was definitely more severe than Robinson’s.

FB: I can’t imagine Fiammetta starting over Hoover at any point this year. Hoover’s performance of last year and his low salary—along with his wealth of experience—tells me he’s here for at least one more year. Further, his presence will only aid in the development of TonEEEEEEEEEE (see…the FB chant doesn’t have to go away altogether.)

The TE situation is kind of interesting, I suppose, but I think we’ll stay with three of ‘em. Remember when we kept Christian Fauria around to serve as the #3? Strikes me that either Rosario or Barnidge is more valuable to keep around than he was. Still, if it’s close, some things to consider are Rosario’s surgery, his higher salary, and his extra year of development. They may feel he’s reached the extent of his upside.’

RG: Frankly, I haven’t seen any writer suggest that Robinson is a favorite or even a real legit possibility to take over for Vincent. I’ll feel comfortable if he has to step in, but I think Vincent’s year in the system and vet experience will give him a very clear edge.

QB: I sure wish everyone would quit with the notion that Matt Moore “played well.” His starts came against a Tampa team resting most of their starters, a Seattle team with nothing to play for that STILL held us to 13 points, and a Dallas team that forced Moore into a pretty terrible game the only time we played a team that was really trying. Further, he was TERRIBLE in the preseason last year. I do think, though, that he’ll stay ahead of Cantwell on the 53. Actually, one way to free up a roster spot might be cutting him if he doesn’t impress and stashing Cantwell on the PS like we did with Basanez one year.