It is important to note that these depth charts are unofficial, and the coaches often give the veteran nod when it comes to the first few depth charts. However, there were some surprises here.
Offense
Position | First | Second | Third | Other |
WR | Kelvin Benjamin | Devin Funchess | Kevin Norwood | LaRon Byrd |
LT | Michael Oher | David Foucault | Donald Hawkins | |
LG | Andrew Norwell | David Yankey | Matt Masifilo | |
C | Ryan Kalil | Gino Gradkowski | Reese Dismukes | |
RG | Trai Turner | Chris Scott | Tyler Larsen | |
RT | Mike Remmers | Daryl Williams | Jordan Rigsbee | |
TE | Greg Olsen | Ed Dickson | Scott Simonson | Beau Sandland |
WR | Ted Ginn | Philly Brown | Brenton Bersin | Damiere Byrd |
QB | Cam Newton | Derek Anderson | Joe Webb | |
FB | Mike Tolbert | Devon Johnson | ||
RB | Jonathan Stewart | Fozzy Whittaker | Cameron Artis-Payne | Brandon Wegher |
No real surprises as far as the starters are concerned. The Panthers top four wide receivers all split time and have situational usage. However, it is interesting to see that Stephen Hill is nowhere to be found on the wide receiver depth chart. BBR's Bill Voth claimed on Twitter that he'd heard the team thinks Hill could be done, and that he's not the same player he was prior to last year's injury. While an unofficial depth chart isn't what I'd call proof, this does lend some credence to this thought. That would leave the fight for the 5th wide receiver spot a bit more wide open, with Brenton Bersin, Kevin Norwood, and Damiere Byrd the front runners. The only other real surprise I can grab from this is that 2nd year UDFA David Yankey is currently the backup left guard. I don't know if the Panthers will keep two backup guards when they have Gino Gradkowski, but that's a good sign for Yankey.
Defense
Position | First | Second | Third | Other |
LDE | Charles Johnson | Wes Horton | Rakim Cox | Larry Webster |
LDT | Star Lotulelei | Paul Soliai | Kyle Love | Eric Crume |
RDT | Kawann Short | Vernon Butler | Chas Alecxih | Robert Thomas |
RDE | Kony Ealy | Mario Addison | Ryan Delaire | Arthur Miley |
SLB | Shaq Thompson | A.J. Klein | Jared Norris | |
MLB | Luke Kuechly | A.J. Klein | Ben Jacobs | Jared Barber |
WLB | Thomas Davis | David Mayo | Jeremy Cash | Brian Blechen |
LCB | James Bradberry | Zach Sanchez | Teddy Williams | Lou Young |
RCB | Daryl Worley | Bene Benwikere | Robert McClain | Leonard Johnson |
SS | Kurt Coleman | Dean Marlowe | Marcus Ball | |
FS | Tre Boston | Colin Jones | Trenton Robinson | Travell Dixon |
I'm actually quite surprised that the Panthers have already listed Worley and Bradberry as the number one corners. This could change, since this depth chart is unofficial though. The team already knows what it has in Benwikere, whether he's playing nickel or on the outside. I'm not surprised that Teddy Williams and Robert McClain were listed over Lou Young, since they have familiarity with the system. Leonard Johnson is still nursing his injury but the team knew that going in. When it comes to safety, I'm not sure if the Panthers will keep more than four. That fourth spot is likely Colin Jones' to lose, so the preseason will play a factor in how that shakes out.
When looking at the front seven, it seems clear that A.J. Klein will be the primary backup at every position. Mayo has quietly had a fine camp and should stick around for special teams play. I'm very curious if the Panthers will even keep six linebackers, if they do it'll likely be Jeremy Cash. On the defensive line, I am not surprised that Horton is listed as the primary back up to Charles Johnson due to his play against the run. Any one of the last four on the depth chart could move up with solid play in the preseason.
Special Teams
Position | First | Second | Third |
K | Graham Gano | ||
P | Mike Scifres | Swayze Waters | |
KOS | Graham Gano | ||
H | Mike Scifres | Swayze Waters | |
PR | Ted Ginn | Robert McClain | Brenton Bersin |
KR | Ted Ginn | Fozzy Whittaker | Joe Webb |
LS | J.J. Jansen |
As far as the punters go, I wouldn't read too much into the starter yet. The Panthers are a directional punting team and the best measure for who has the LEG up (see what I did there) is during live action. The Panthers also chose not to create added controversy by listing Swayze Waters as the holder too.
J.J. Jansen is the only listed long snapper. Sorry Braxton Deaver, you'll have to do better than that.