The Panthers always seem to have "all-pro training camp" stars who do very well in camp and inspire optimism. However, many of them seem to fizzle up once the lights come on and practice jerseys come off. We have the Armanti Edwards and the Josh Norman's of the world. Guys who light it up in training camp at positions of need where we as fans say "this kid could be something special." Then there's the guys like Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly, where you draft them high and they show you every bit of the reasoning behind their selections. This season, the Panthers have finally used a high draft choice on a wide receiver, one with extreme boom/bust potential. And he's easily the biggest player to watch, as he could easily be a Josh Norman or a Cam Newton.
Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver
Boy, there's a lot riding on this pick.
Benjamin was selected at the 28th overall pick in what was a highly controversial and questionable pick. Some argued there was better talent there at other positions, others said the offensive line was a bigger concern. Some people even wanted fellow wideout Marquise Lee at 28 instead. But as far as highest potential to be great, Benjamin's an easy pick. The kid's got the kind of redzone skills we haven't had in Carolina in years. He's got excellent size as a wideout, and underrated speed for a man his size. He's got a lot of developing to do, and his role is one of the biggest things to watch in 2014.
Benjamin should get every chance to start. It's up to him to seize the opportunity. While nobody in the current receiver group is overly threatening, you have proven reliables in Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery is slated to be at least the number two, and will likely be the number one out the gates. How Benjamin handles the pro-speed adjustment and how he gels with Cam Newton (who hasn't gotten much chance to work with him during drills) is key here. Benjamin's performance during camp could have the biggest effect on how the receiving depth chart unfolds, and his development could have a big effect on the currently subpar Panthers passing attack all season.
Nate Chandler, Offensive Tackle
Nate Chandler earned some high praise from Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater this month, calling Chandler a "top left tackle" and that left tackle is the position that he should play. This came as a shock for many Panthers fans (myself included) to hear these words coming from one of the game's best. Nate has been working hard this offseason to win a spot as a starting tackle here in Carolina, and the competition is heated but for the most part mediocre. The early guess many analysts had at left tackle was fellow UFA Byron* Bell, who has been average at best at right tackle.
Chandler certainly has the chance to win the spot, and possesses the kind of athleticism you want in a left tackle. The coaching staff has found a way to keep Chandler on the roster for the past two seasons by moving his positions around, and that's an indicator of the kind of rare talent coaches want on their team. To mold and develop these athletic types can yield great results for very little risk. Chandler has the chance to be the feel good story of 2014, or be a part of the laughing stock that many experts predict the Panthers offensive line to be. Chandler's first task is to beat Byron Bell for the left tackle spot, and training camp is where he can do it.
AJ Klein, Linebacker
AJ Klein got a chance to play a bit his rookie year, and he ran with it. He got to play against the 49ers and the Patriots, two 2013 playoff teams. Both teams lost to the Panthers and had problems with the swarming defense. Chase Blackburn shared time with Klein for the remainder of the year, but it became clear that Klein can be a good player in the NFL. In training camp, Klein will once again compete with Blackburn for time. Blackburn is on his last year of his contract and a player like him would be best served as a special teams ace who can start in a pinch. Klein showed flashes of being a viable option to start every week, and needs to expand on that in 2014 to beat out Blackburn.
Jonathan Stewart, Running Back
Stewart enters the 2014 training camp supposedly the healthiest he's ever been. Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it halfway through the middle of the season.
But if Stewart can stay healthy, he has the opportunity to become the Panthers "starting" running back in the sense that he will get the majority of the carries. Sure, Williams will get his carries and yes, Tolbert will get his redzone carries. But a healthy Stewart brings more to the table at this point in his career than Williams does. Stewart has good speed and elusiveness for a running back with the powerful run style he often uses. His presence is certainly less of a tell to opposing defenses of what kind of run the Panthers are going to use. And Stewart showed in 2012 he can be a real threat as a receiving back. He just needs to stay healthy, it is what it is.
Josh Norman, Cornerback
Every year Norman has shined during the preseason and training camp. Every year he gives the fanbase hope that he is a starter caliber ball hawk who can take interceptions to the house. And every year, he disappoints. He shined in the 2013 preseason, being selected as the defensive MVP. We heard his name called many times by the journalists and bloggers following on in training camp. 2014 is his last shot to bring it to the field.
Norman has the physical traits you want in a corner: good size, good ball skills, decent speed, and a physical demeanor. The problem is he seems to make many mental mistakes, such as the unforgettable coverage miscue that handed the Buffalo Bills a touchdown as the clock expired week 2 of 2013. Norman seems to find himself in the doghouse every year, and 2014 is his last gasp. He has the most experience with Sean McDermott and Steve Wilks compared to every other cornerback. He's gotten some valuable playing time in his 3 years in the NFL. Norman should have the opportunity to try and win a starting spot over Melvin White, as he got some work in with the number ones in OTA's. This is his last chance to get his mental game on par with the NFL, or face becoming irrelevant.
Training camp starts often fizzle out once the lights come on, and it's important to remember as fans that we don't know anything until the ball is snapped week 1. Melvin White came out of nowhere in 2013, as did Robert Lester. It's time now to see who will seize their opportunity to make 2014 THEIR moment.