Jun 1, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers center Zack Williams (64) walks to the practice field for organized training activities at the team's practice facility at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
We have another round of OTAs in the bag and though we didn't squeeze much insight from last week's activities it seems a good time to throw out another 53 man roster prediction. We will call this one the June edition with obviously more to come as we get closer to TC and the preseason.
The Panthers have improved their depth without a doubt which makes this prediction difficult. I'm sure some of my inclusions and cuts will cause discussion but that is what we are here for. I'll try to explain my thinking on some of these.
Offense (22):
QB (3): Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Jimmy Clausen
If not Clausen then I expect a 3rd QB be on the roster but its' not a lock. I wouldn't mind just two QBs myself.
RB (2): DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart
FB (1): Mike Tolbert
Tolbert is essentially the 3rd RB as well.
TE (3): Greg Olsen, Gary Barnidge, Ben Hartsock
I think there is still a need for a solid blocking TE in this offense hence Hartsock sticks but he is no lock.
WR (4): Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, David Gettis, Chris Manno, (Adams & Pilares too)
Though I list only four WRs its supplemented with special team returners Joe Adams and Keoloha Pilares.
OL (9): Jordan Gross, Amini Silatolu, Ryan Kalil, Geoff Hangartner, Byron Bell, Jeff Otah, Garry Williams, Bruce Campbell, Mike Pollack
There is a chance a cheaper but just as effective OG like Zack Williams or Bryant Browning does enough to supplant the vet Pollack.
Defense (26):
DT (5): Ron Edwards, Sione Fua, Terrell McClain, Andre Neblett, Frank Kearse
Though the Panthers typically only carry four DTs I think this is an area of concern warranting an extra player.
DE (6): Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy, Frank Alexander, Antwan Applewhite, Thomas Keiser, Jyles Tucker
Tucker sticks just for ST ability.
LB (6): Jon Beason, Luke Kuechly, James Anderson, Jordan Senn, Jason Williams, Ken Onatolu
It hurts me to say it but yes I'm predicting Thomas Davis hangs up his cleats.If not then I see Jason Williams being the odd man out here.
CB (5): Chris Gamble, Brandon Hogan, Captain Munnerlyn, Josh Norman, Darius Butler
Tough to cut RJ Stanford but given Butler is young and the better athlete he sticks though he doesn't win the starters job.
S (4): Charles Godfrey, Sherrod Martin, Haruki Nakamura, Reggie Smith
Another tough cut is Jordan Pugh though Martin is no lock given his poor 2011 season.
Special Teams (5):
K: Olingo Mare
P: Brad Nortman
PR: Joe Adams
KR: Keoloha Pilares
LS: JJ Jansen
Key Cuts: LB Thomas Davis (retires), WR Armanti Edwards, S DJ Campbell, CB RJ Stanford, RB Josh Vaughan, DE Eric Norwood, S Jordan Pugh, T Lee Ziemba, FB Richie Brockel, WR Seyi Ajiratutu, WR Darvin Adams.
I don't know the rules for the practice squad so no prediction on that yet but I imagine S DJ Campbell would be one entry along with WR Darvin Adams, OG Zack Williams (IR last season) and maybe Lee Ziemba if he qualifies.
There are 151 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.