Offense:
QB: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Jimmy Clausen
RB: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Kenjon Barner
FB: Mike Tolbert
LT: Jordan Gross, Nate Chandler
LG: Amini Silatolu, Chris Scott
C: Ryan Kalil, Jeff Byers
RG: Garry Williams, Edmund Kugbila
RT: Byron Bell
TE: Greg Olsen, Ben Hartsock, Brandon Williams
WR: Steve Smith, Armanti Edwards, Ted Ginn Jr.
WR: Brandon LaFell, David Gettis, Joe Adams
Notes:
- Brandon Williams beats Richie Brockel for the #3 tight end spot. He's continuously impressed in training camp and played well against the Bears in the preseason. He also has more upside than Brockel because of his athleticism.
- It's not looking pretty on the offensive line. Because of Bruce Campbell's injury, Nate Chandler survives and makes the final 53, as the Panthers have nobody else to back up Gross or Bell at either tackle position. Expect some help here after final roster cuts.
- Gettis makes the final roster, beating Hixon who hasn't really done anything this offseason. They both have injury concerns, but Gettis is younger and has more upside than Hixon.
Defense:
LDE: Charles Johnson, Frank Alexander, Louis Nzegwu
UT: Kawann Short, Dwan Edwards
NT: Star Lotulelei, Sione Fua
RDE: Greg Hardy, Mario Addison
WLB: Jon Beason, Chase Blackburn
MLB: Luke Kuechly, A.J Klein
SLB: Thomas Davis, Jordan Senn
CB1: Drayton Florence, Captain Munnerlyn, D.J Moore
CB2: Josh Norman, Josh Thomas, James Dockery
SS: Mike Mitchell, D.J Campbell
FS: Charles Godfrey, Haruki Nakamura
Notes:
- Louis Nzegwu makes the final roster as a depth speed rusher. Nzegwu has a lot of athleticism, and he is very versatile, as he can rush the passer standing up or with his hands in the dirt. He could also specialize as a rush linebacker when the Panthers use their 3-4 packages.
- Jon Beason remains the starter at SLB, but if he's not healthy by Week 1 then expect Chase Blackburn to start. Blackburn has had an impressive training camp and preseason so far, and should be an excellent backup for the Panthers.
- Josh Norman starts at cornerback with Drayton Florence. Norman has quietly improved this offseason and should start over Munnerlyn on the outside. Munnerlyn goes back to the nickel, although if he continues to struggle like he has so far this preseason, his backup D.J Moore will take over.
- Mike Mitchell beats D.J Campbell for the starting strong safety spot. Mitchell is a liability in coverage but is a decent tackler and has some blitzing ability. Campbell should be a solid backup at both safety positions.
Special Teams:
LS: J.J Jansen
P: Brad Nortman
K: Graham Gano
PR: Ted Ginn Jr.
KR: Ted Ginn Jr.
What are your thoughts on this projected final 53 man roster? Do you agree, or disagree? Feel free to discuss, and post your own projected 53 man roster in the comments below.