Seltzer

I think 2 things: 1) Hurst and Thomas will probably be the first 2 guys out in a 2 TE set b/c then you have a good receiving TE in Hurst and a good blocking TE in Thomas. Tremble has shown flashes as both a receiver and blocker, but he is not consistent yet. This is a big year for him, b/c most TE's take time to develop, but by year 3, you kind of are what you are. I think from a coaches perspective, you got a TE group with 2 established veterans now and a developing player, so that's not bad from either a short or long term perspective. I do think Tremble needs to show more this season. If he does, Thomas becomes expendable next year. If not, maybe Tremble becomes expendable, and TE becomes more of a need. Either way, this year should give more clarity.

Still think we add a couple of FA's that will make the team, but as of today, here are the 53 players I think would make the roster. Happy to hear anyone else's thoughts. Think the roster is mostly set. With all the new players, scheme, and rookie QB, I don't see us as SB contenders (although this roster has talent), but I do think and have the expectation that we can win the NFC South. OFFENSE: 25 Total Players QB: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, Matt Corral Thought maybe Corral would be moved during the draft, but I think he will be on the roster this year, and Eason will be QB4 on the practice squad. He has history with Reich. Dalton is a perfect backup to Young IMO. 5 years from now, the most (and really only) important thing to come from this season is Bryce Young and how he develops. RB: Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear Sanders is obviously the starter, and Chuba showed he could be a legit RB2 last year. Blackshear showed some burst and was also a solid kick returner, so he could very well make this team again. Could see him replaced with Cam Peoples as a short-yardage back or we could sign a FA (Kareem Hunt, Leonard Fournette). TE: Hayden Hurst, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble Not the best group ever, but better (on-paper) than last year, and better than many of the TE groups we've had in franchise history. Hurst is a major upgrade at receiving TE, Ian Thomas is one of the better blocking TE's, and Tremble is still only in Year 3. Giovanni Ricci has been a serviceable FB, and Stephen Sullivan has shown flashes as a receiving TE but I think with the numbers at WR, we only keep 3 TE's and these are the guys. WR: Adam Theilin, DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall, Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault, Damiere Byrd I think the first 5 guys are set, and the 6th spot comes down to whether Byrd or Shi Smith can provide more at returner- my money is on Byrd. If for some reason we only keep 2 QB's and drop Corral, Shi probably gets the 7th spot, but I think we only keep 6. The big question is can this group collectively overcome the loss of DJ Moore and produce more? I think so, especially if TMJ continues his late-season surge. Offensive Line: Ikem Ekwonu (LT), Brady Christensen (LG), Bradley Bozeman (C), Cade Mays (RG), Taylor Moton (RT), Austin Corbett, Chandler Zavala, Justin McCray,Deonte Brown, Larnel Coleman The good news is that we are returning all five starters from a Top 10 and maybe even Top 5 unit last year . Even with Corbett missing the start of the season, Mays and Zavala are good options to replace him. I feel good about the top 7. I'm sure Fitterer will be continuing to look at ways to upgrading until the season starts. This should be a team strength provided injuries don't ruin it. Defense: 25 Players Defensive Line: Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, Deshawn Williams, Henry Anderson, Braviyon Roy, Marquan McCall Decent group- will be interesting to see how DB does in this scheme, and if we have anyone else who can step up and take this group to the next level. Who would have thought with all the Temple/Baylor players Rhule brought in, that Braviyon Roy might be the one to be on the team the longest? John Penisini and Raequan Williams were both brought in as priority UDFA's who could challenge for roster spots. Outside Linebacker: Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes, Amare Barno, Yetur Gross-Matos, DJ Johnson I think this is the one area we still have to add a FA at, but this is the group for now. Burns has developed into a superstar, but there are question marks behind him. Can Haynes claim a starting spot? Can YGM become the player they hoped for? Can Barno and DJ Johnson make contributions this year? Inside Linebacker: Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu, Brandon Smith, Bumper Pool: Shaq and Luvu seem set as the ILB starters. I think Bumper Pool is the one UDFA I feel has the best chance of making the roster- he only has to beat out Kamu Grugier-Hill. I'm also interested in watching more of Brandon Smith this season. I'm including Jeremy Chinn in the safeties group, but he will get plenty of time at LB also. Safeties: Jeremy Chinn, Von Bell, Xavier Woods, Jammie Robinson, Sam Frankin After what seemed like treating this position as an afterthought during the Rivera Era, we finally might have the best safety group (on-paper) that I can remember. Good starters, positional flexibility, and depth Cornerbacks: Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, CJ Henderson, Keith Taylor, Eric Rowe Outside of OLB/EDGE, this is the other position where I think adding a FA is still likely. Two things that could elevate this group: 1) Donte Jackson being back healthy & 2) CJ Henderson being capable of effectively playing outside CB so we can slide Donte into the slot/nickel more where I feel like he is better suited. It's probably a long shot, but I would love to see Marcus Peters playing opposite Jaycee. Special Teams: 3 Players Special Teams: Eddy Pineiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen Must like safety, this is an area we have quietly gotten better at the last couple of years. JJ Jansen is a legend, and Hekker played like an All-Pro last year. Pineiro was great outside of the Atlanta debacle. He doesn't have the biggest leg, but he is overall accurate and available, something we came to not be able to depend on Zane Gonazles to be.

To me, he's got to be a better blocker. Neither are setting the world on fire receiving, but Thomas is the better blocker as of now. People hate on Ian, but he is a good run blocker, especially on plays where he is pulling as a lead blocker. Go back and watch the Detroit game. Ian was a major reason we ran for over 300 yards. Now, Tremble wouldn't have to improve too much as a receiver to pass Thomas, and cumulatively he may very well be better this year. Tremble did have some really good routes, especially later in last season. Tremble becoming a more consistent receiving threat would certainly elevate this TE group.

Yeah, Tremble and Ricci played more fullback/H-back, but I think Thomas made the most difference as a puller in the run game. To me, neither Tremble nor Ricci really looked great in the fullback/H-back role. Ricci is a decent receiver as a fullback, but I haven't been impressed with him as a run blocker. I think Tremble, like Thomas, is better as a pulling blocker as of now. My whole point is that Thomas shouldn't be a starter, but I disagree with those who think he doesn't deserve a roster spot. I also think Tremble is worth another year of development. Many TE's are not a finished product until their 3rd year.

Sign an EDGE and a CB and let's head to camp! Also, Kareem Hunt at a bargain is tempting. Sanders, Hunt, and Chuba would be great. Leonard Fournette is also out there also. I think RB will be a later signing if at all to see how these guys perform in camp. I could also see us waiting on CB, but I do hope we add an EDGE before camp.

You are correct about that. But for guys like Luvu (undrafted), they usually have to put up numbers for several years before they get a lot of recognition. Also, the Panthers are small market and have sucked for the past several years, so he's overlooked. I think Luvu will get a lot of playing time in this scheme, too, since I think he could play OLB or ILB. I could see him used similarly to Chinn in terms of moving him around. Luvu's ability to play multiple positions also will help in disguising coverages. I think if we line up in a 4-3 alignment, Shaq, Luvu, and Chinn/Brandon Smith could be the LBers. I also think Bumper Pool has a really good chance at making the roster, b/c much like DJ Johnson with YGM, we really don't have many true 3-4 ILBers on the roster.

Chinn's ultimate flexibility gives them the ability to disguise coverages, which is paramount in the current NFL where teams try to get the ball out immediately. Confusing the QB is crucial b/c it forces him to hold the ball longer which gives the pass rush a better chance to get home. Most elite QB's have a good idea where there are going pre-snap. Throwing off their 1st or 2nd read by showing them a different coverage than what they saw pre-snap is important, but it requires having guys that can play multiple positions. The inverse of this was Sean Payton keeping the same personnel but in multiple formations (where the defense couldn't substitute) to get a miss-match for the offense. Resigning Shaq was important b/c he has experience playing ILB in the 2019 3-4 we ran and I think he will be the primary ILB. I expect to see this lineup quite a bit this year: YGM/Deshawn Williams/Shy Tuttle/ Derek Brown/Burns Shaq Chinn (floating) Jackson/Bell/Woods/Horn This is a 3-4 variation of the defense Rivera ran a lot here where we had 4 down lineman, TD & Luke at LB, and 5 DB's. That scheme required 2 LB's that could run sideline to sideline and play both the run and the pass. I expect in this defense maybe one of the OLB would drop in run support and Chinn would act as the 5th DB or fill as an additional LB. Just like Luke & TD were the lynchpins in that defense, I think Chinn will be the lynchpin in this defense. I also expect Burns should be happy b/c this will give him the chance to really focus on getting to the QB. The concern I have is the same as 2019. I feel like we will be able to get a good pass rush, but will we be able to stop the run? I do think Chinn is going to get a lot of run at LB for this scheme to be effective.

I agree OLB is still an area of need. I expect we will still sign a FA here. Important to note, after 4PM today, FA signings do not affect the compensatory pick calculations. In terms of personnel, Reich talked about how they use 2 distinct types of OLB in Evero's scheme: 1) Pure speed rushers. I assume Burns, Haynes, and Barno fit this profile. 2) Power rusher/setting the edge. YGM really was the only guy on the roster with this build, which is why I think there was so much urgency to trade up to get a guy like DJ Johnson. So, while I do think and hope they sign another OLB, I think finding someone who can fit into this 2nd mold (being good against the run) needs to be an important factor b/c while we have 2 guys now that fit the profile, neither YGM nor DJ Johnson has proven they can play this position on the field. Leonard Floyd would be my first choice to sign as a FA b/c he's better against the run. Also, and I'm not sure it happens, but I still like the idea of signing Jadaveon Clowney b/c while he has not lived up to his potential as a pass rushing 3-4 OLB, he is elite in this role against the run. I feel better about TE than most. Our group certainly wasn't great last year, but adding Hurst is a big improvement IMO. This group is not even close to one of the worst groups we've had at TE. And while their receiving numbers aren't scaring anyone, Tremble and Thomas were a big part of the run game's dominance in the 2nd half of last year. Tremble is only in year 3 and has shown flashes in the passing game. Ian Thomas gets a lot of hate, but go watch how good he was as a lead blocker on run plays. I think there is a 100% chance YGM is on the team given my statement above. And since we didn't trade Corral in the draft, I think it's almost 100% he's on the team at least one more year given where he was drafted.

You really only need 90 players to make it through camp once nicks and bruises start to lead to missed training camp practices. A team only keeps 53, which means a good 25-30 players on that 90 man roster have for all intents and purposes 0% chance of actually making the team. They are there to intrigue the coaching staff enough for a look at being on the practice squad and to get tape for other teams/leagues. In short, 90 is an arbitrary number and it just allows enough bodies to ensure full practices during the summer. The team is no better or worse for being or not being at that number

Good pick. We needed more depth and competition at nickle CB. I'll be honest. Like most of you, I don't know enough about anyone we drafted outside of Bryce Young to feel too strongly one way or the other. Pretty happy with the way the roster is shaping up post FA and the draft. Still hope we sign another EDGE and potentially an ILB for depth, but for the most part I think we're ready to roll. None of us really know how these picks will work out, but we supposedly have the all star coaching staff. Now it's their turn to work their magic and get this team ready to win

And I still think there is a very good chance we sign someone like Jadaveon Clowney too, bc he has been his best at the pro level playing that position and being dominant against the run and still being a good but not great pass rusher. Burns, Haynes, and Barno as the true speed rushers in the OLB position and Clowney, YGM, and DJ Johnson as the edge setting/ pass rusher at the other OLB position suddenly has the makings of a potentially great group. One can hope

I'm assuming they see DJ Johnson as filling a major need in terms of a bigger OLB who is suppose to first play the run and then lead into a pass rusher. I also assume this position is the same one they are envisioning for YGM since they are of more similar build so they would be competing for playing time with YGM obviously having the early advantage. I guess this makes sense because we really don't have anyone else in that mold besides YGM right now so it was a big need. Still wonder if we needed to trade up, but again, if he can contribute, it doesn't matter. I don't think drafting DJ Johnson means anything in terms of still adding a FA EDGE. I think they will add one. I also think this means the scheme is set up to let someone like Burns or Haynes to pin their ears back and just pass rush, which I'm sure they would like. Barno would be more in that vein also. So, I do get that someone like DJ Johnson seemed to be a big need scheme wise and we didn't really have anyone else besides YGM with the traits Evero is looking for on the roster.

Honestly, very little if anything will matter from this draft in 3 years time other than if Bryce Young is a franchise QB. I don't know enough about any of these prospects outside the top guys to know. I seriously doubt hardly anyone else on here does either. I don't hate the pick, because if you've found a good rotational player outside the top 2 rounds, it's a good draft pick. That being said, you would hope the coaching staff has conviction he can contribute at least some this year to pick him where they did

I think we need to sign a FA EDGE. Biggest remaining need IMO. We have young guys we drafted (YGM, Haynes, Barno) but we need an established guy with Burns. Last major hole on the team

I am interested to see if YGM can find a role in this defense. My concern is this: we have several guys with edge rush ability (YGM, Luvu, Haynes, Barno), but no one really proven other than Burns. I hope this means they are hoping to get more out of YGM, but that was also the expectation last year and YGM was not good. I still think signing a proven 3-4 Edge in FA would be smart.

David Tepper is obviously an incredibly intelligent man. I'll give him credit- he has basically admitted (as much as a self-made billionaire can bring himself to do) that everything about Matt Rhule went against the process he would normally follow. I'll say this. This feels as much 180 degrees away from the start of the Rhule Era as possible. Everything this time makes sense. We'll have to wait to see how this plays out on the field, but as a fanbase, if you can't get behind the decisions Tepper has made over the past 6 months, I question whether you have the best interests of the Panthers in mind, b/c these recent decisions have been good ones.

Anderson played quite well last year after he returned, especially against the run. Good depth signing. Holes are getting less and less on the roster. Only glaring ones right now remain another WR and Edge rusher/ OLB

I think Stroud or Young should be able to develop into a franchise guy with the right coaching and scheme. It's so much better for this franchise that we have Reich & Co running the show for this to happen than Rhule's circus, b/c I think we actually have the infrastructure in place to be successful.

It hurts that Cam didn't get a better ending. I love Rivera as a man, but it was ridiculous to continue to play Cam in 2016 after his shoulder injury. Between the mismanagement of his injuries, and the insulting and strategically stupid way Cam was let go, to trying to latch on to the Patriots late (and then getting Covid) to coming back here to be a part of Rhule's circus, Cam deserved so much better. I will always be a Cam fan (but please, please don't go to Atlanta). But for Cam, like the vast majority of both professional athletes and normal people in general, a storybook ending just wasn't/ isn't in the cards. I will die on the hill that there has never been an athlete as transcendently talented and who accomplished so much who has also been unfairly maligned in the matter Cam has been.

Wouldn't mind taking a flyer on him

Quality depth on the Oline... is this even allowed in Carolina??!! Seriously, though, good signing. Isn't it such a wonderful to actually be optimistic about our Offensive Line going into the season?

Exactly. It's one thing to create a massive roster hole by trying to get your next franchise QB. This is not that situation

I'd give up pick #39 for Higgins absolutely, but no more, b/c as other people have mentioned, you have to pay him. That being said, I've reconciled myself to the fact we probably aren't going to be able to sign a true WR1 until next offseason.

CMC & DJ both loved being here and the fans. Anybody who cares would have the same initial response. The opposite of love is not hate or anger, it's indifference. Neither CMC nor DJ were indifferent. They honestly had the right to be angry as much as they cared. They are both special players, and I wish them well outside of when we play them. It was a business decision. It's over and done with, we just need to get our QB and move on.

Exactly. Which is why it's worth it to gamble to find that next franchise guy