The Panthers have 12 players starting their third season in the NFL. Of the group only LB Shaq Thompson looks like a lock for a fourth season. Here’s the next six players I see needing a big season to hang on in Carolina.
Cameron Artis-Payne RB 5-10 215 26 Auburn
CAP needs a really good camp and preseason to hang onto the #3 RB status. It may not be enough. The addition of rookie RB Christian McCaffrey complicates the backfield picture for anyone not named Jonathan Stewart. It might come down to which type of RB do they need on the bench, one like CAP or maybe Fozzy Whitaker instead. Unlike some on this list I think CAP has a real chance if has been working hard this offseason. Color me optimistic.
Ryan Delaire DE 6-4 260 25 Towson
While Kony Ealy’s departure helps Delaire the addition of Julius Peppers and Daeshon Hall does not. Plus the Panthers have already invested in Mario Addison. The Panthers seem to be flush in 3rd down specialists. The good news is he appears to be competing against Wes Horton. Even so I’m pessimistic he makes the final 53.
Devin Funchess WR 6-4 225 23 Michigan
Funchess had a really nice camp and preseason last season but then once the season rolled around he pretty much disappeared. There just weren’t enough targets to go around. Or was the problem an inability to get separation? Either way I don’t see things getting any better this season. Funchess just doesn’t seem to offer any more than what the Panthers get in Kelvin Benjamin. The problem is compounded by the Panthers seeming switch to speed versus size at WR…well at the skill positions in general. I fully expect McCaffrey to be involved in the passing game. When you look at the Panthers list of weapons I wonder where the increased targets to Funchess going to come from? Funchess could well have a long NFL career, he just may need a change of scenery. Funchess may well stick to the Panthers 53 in September but I’m less optimistic he stays for a 4th season barring a huge jump in his game.
Dean Marlowe S 6-1 208 24 James Madison
If Marlowe doesn’t make the Panthers 53 in September he can’t say he hasn’t been given a fair chance in Carolina. He’s had plenty of chance to show what he can do and he doesn’t have a whole lot of competition for one of the back-up spots. Yet how long will the Panthers continue to hope he develops further? Mike Adams is a stop gap at the position for a season or maybe two. Marlowe will need to show he is starter material before Adams time comes to an end.
David Mayo LB 6-2 245 23 Texas St.
I feel good about Mayo sticking for this season and maybe next. With AJ Klein moving on Mayo is the 1st LB off the bench and he should be happy about that. He just needs to keep elevating his game and performing on special teams. I’m very optimistic about Mayo longevity though he may never crack the starting line up in a season opener.
Daryl Williams OT 6-6 330 24 Oklahoma
Williams is another player who has been given plenty of chances to earn and solidify a roster spot. He is currently being handed the RT job but he needs to justify it in order to stick. The rookie Moton could beat him out and even result in Williams not making the final cut. That seems drastic but it’s all about the math. If Williams could back-up inside at OG as well then he might still stick even if he loses the starting role to the rookie. I’m going to lean optimistic on this one as it will be hard for the rookie to adapt so quickly and Williams has two season on him.