Offensive Tackle
The retirement of long time Panther Jordan Gross really left the Panthers in a pinch. As it stands right now two undrafted players Byron Bell and Nate Chandler have the edge though we don't know which will play the left side and which will play the right. Look for Bell to stick on the left side given he is the more veteran player and is left handed though its no guarantee. Veteran Garry Williams is also in the mix as well as 2nd year guy Andrew McDonald. The Panthers hope to coach these guys up enough to avoid the need to sign an expensive free agent. Let's hope it works.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position was worse off than offensive tackle until the Panthers drafted Kelvin Banjamin in the 1st round of the draft. Though I have previously stated the Panthers might ease Benjamin into the rotation that could change quickly in camp. Instead I now think Benjamin will start on one side with Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery battling for the #2 spot. Tiquan Underwood will battle Tavares King for the slot WR position.
Cornerback
It's a three way battle for two starting CBs spots between newly added vet Antoine Cason, youngster Melvin White and vet Charles Godfrey who is converting from safety. It's a tough call right now but I expect Cason and White to win the jobs as Godfrey eases into the line up. Depth players Josh Norman, Josh Thomas and James Dockery will battle for the remaining two slots.
Kick Returner
RB Kenjon Barner will get a chance to win both the punt and kick returner job though I doubt he matches what Ted Ginn did in 2013. Others competing for both spots include WR Taveres King, Keoloha Pilares and CB Antoine Cason. I'm thinking it will come down to Barner or Pilares with the winner being the player that makes fewer mistakes.
Right Guard
Prior to the draft RG was a big question mark but the selection of Trai Turner helped solidify the position. Turner will need to beat our Chris Scott, Edmund Kugbila and Garry Williams but he appears to have the inside track. Scott showed up to mini-camp out of shape and Kugbila and Williams are coming off major knee surgery. It will be interesting to see if any of the three gives Turner a real challenge.
Strong Safety
Most have penciled free agent Roman Harper at SS but I think Robert Lester is going to give the older Harper a run for his spot. Lester has shown a nice nose for the ball and is just as good as a tackler as the vet. I wouldn't pencil Harper in there just yet.