The Panthers released their first official depth chart last week, but really it’s just there because the league requires it. So I’m here to provide you with a week to week projection of who will and won’t make the roster, starting with the offense.
Quarterback
Starter: Cam Newton
Backups: Derek Anderson, Joe Webb
Cuts: Garrett Gilbert
Gilbert has had himself a fine camp, but the bottom line here is Carolina only needs three quarterbacks, and Webb provides value in other aspects of the game. Gilbert will likely be on speed dial for the Panthers in case one of their QBs gets hurt, but ultimately he’s not beating out the top three from the last few seasons.
Running Back
Starter(s): Jonathan Stewart, Christian McCaffery
Starting FB: Darrel Young
Depth: Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron-Artis Payne
Cuts: Alex Armah, Jalen Simmons
The Panthers will need to compromise somewhere to keep a true full back, and I think they keep Young simply because of the veteran experience and use at practice (for now). Armah may climb his way up the depth chart and warrant a spot later, but at the moment Young has a leg up. Also, Curtis Samuel will certainly be a factor here as far as who they keep, but he hasn’t practiced yet so Fozzy Whittaker may still warrant a spot. Keep an eye on the running back group in the coming weeks.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Russel Shepard
Depth: Curtis Samuel, Brenton Bersin
Cuts: Damiere Byrd, Keyarris Garrett, Austin Duke, Kaelin Clay, Moze Frazier, Taylor Graham, Fred Ross
This is the position I expect to change over the course of the preseason. The Panthers can use Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess sparingly since both should make the team, leaving opportunities open to the rest. Shepard seems to have developed an uncanny rapport with Cam Newton, which is always a good thing. Curtis Samuel will warrant a spot unless he ends up on the PUP list because of the investment this year. As I said above, the Panthers running back position may be impacted by the wide receivers, but at the moment I only see five spots. Brenton Bersin has the leg up because he’s DA GOAT, YA BOI, Eater of 5th wide receiver dreams. But in all seriousness, any of these guys could push him for that spot. It just depends on who Carolina is willing to stash on their practice squad. Damiere Byrd has a nice opportunity as a deep threat, but a healthy Curtis Samuel may nullify that need.
Offensive Line
Starters: OT Matt Kalil, OT Daryl Williams, OG Trai Turner, OG Andrew Norwell, C Ryan Kalil
Depth: Amini Silatolu, Taylor Moton, Gino Gradkowski, Tyler Larsen
Cuts: Dan France, Chris Scott, David Yankey, Blaine Clausell, Greg Van Roten, Tyrus Thompson
The Panthers depth looks really good compared to recent years. The interior three are set, while Matt Kalil is the best option at left tackle. Daryl Williams is slated to start at right tackle, but his days should be numbered with Taylor Moton nipping at his heels. But beyond that, Moton can play guard and has lined up at LT. Amini Silatolu appears primed to be the primary back up at left tackle, and entered the league as a guard. That nullifies the use of some of these other guys. Gino Gradkowski should still be the primary center back up, while Tyler Larsen proved last year he can be decent wherever you need him. I actually like this group of lineman, though some uncertainty lies with Matt Kalil.
Tight End
Starters: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson
Depth: Chris Manhertz
Cuts: Scott Simonson, Eric Wallace, Bryce Williams
Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson should be the starters going into week one. And that’s okay, seeing as Christian McCaffery can be that complimentary “move” option Carolina has been looking for to use with Olsen. McCaffery can’t line up as a tight end, but he can line up everywhere else. That basically solves the “second TE” problem for the Panthers. Dickson just doesn’t have anybody good enough to beat him out of a spot. Manhertz has seemed to jump ahead of Simonson, demonstrating some good receiving ability.
Pro Bersin comments only please :)
But seriously, what are your thoughts Panthers fans?