Roster Projection - Preseason Week 1

[Jeremy Igo]

If I had to guess on a roster today, this is how I feel it would play out. Yes, this is an early projection and things may change  over the next few weeks, or not.

 

Here are the 53, as I see it today.

 

 

QBs - 2

 

Cam Newton

Derek Anderson

 

The Panthers only go with two QBs. It is highly unlikely Joe Webb is picked up by another team if released and would quickly fit back in as a #2 should injury occur. Gettleman generally is against a 3 QB roster. Some of the local media are reading much into Ron Rivera's remark that he may keep three. But really, what is he supposed to say? No, these other two guys in red shirts have zero chance. Not really a morale booster, is it.

 

 

Recievers - 6

 

Kelvin Benjamin

Jericho Cotchery

Jason Avant

Brenton Bersin

Tavarres King

Tiquan Underwood

 

This is a pretty solid group. People have been hard on Underwood, but his camp performance is no where near as bad as people seem to think it is. At the very least he is a veteran with real experience and still has an upside. King has been lighting it up all camp, I am hopeful it continues into the preseason.

 

 

Tight Ends - 4

 

Greg Olsen

Ed Dickson

Richie Brockel

Brandon Williams

 

These are the top 4 Tight Ends on the Roster. Brandon Williams and Richie Brockel provide enough blocking to make recently signed vet Mike McNeil expendable. Olsen and Dickson provide the best pass catching TE set the Panthers have seen since 2011. Expect a heavy dose.

 

Running Backs - 4

 

Jonathan Stewart

Mike Tolbert

Deangelo Williams

Kenjon Barner

 

Stewart and Tolbert are the best two running backs on the team and also fit a ball control offense. Williams will see a diminished role once Stewart is healthy. Barner is a situational change up back. Barner is the only RB with the speed to get to the outside against the faster defenses.

 

 

Offensive Line - 10

 

Nate Chandler

Trai Turner

Ryan Kalil

Amini Silatolu

Byron Bell

Garry Williams

Chris Scott

Brian Folkerts

Fernando Velasco

Andrew McDonald

Again, I don't think this is in stone. If I was a betting man I would say a name on another team's roster today will end up on the Panthers roster before the start of the season. The Panthers are extremely thin on the offensive line and can afford no injuries.

 

Defensive Line - 9

 

Charles Johnson

Star Lotulelei

Dwan Edwards

Greg Hardy

Kawaan Short

Colin Cole

Kony Ealy

Wes Horton

Mario Addison

 

Once Alexander comes off of suspension, I believe Wes Horton will be the odd man out. Alexander has had a good camp, getting some looks with the ones.

 

Linebackers - 6

 

Luke Keuchly

Thomas Davis

AJ Klein

Chase Blackburn

Jason Williams

Ben Jacobs

 

This is an amazing group of players. I like Denicos Allen, I always pull for an underdog, but there is just no way he cracks this lineup. Hopefully he can catch on with another team.

 

Corners - 5

 

Antione Cason

Melvin White

Bene Benwikere

Josh Norman

Josh Thomas

 

Even with the cap hit I don't see Charles Godfrey making this team. I hope I am wrong, I love a comeback story. But Godfrey has struggled mightily at cornerback. Josh Norman has quietly improved this season and is participating well in special teams to boot. He is not practice squad eligible and too much of an upside to release.

 

 

Safeties - 4

 

Roman Harper

Thomas Decoud

Robert Lester

Colin Jones

 

Tre Boston spends the season on IR. He has missed far too much to catch up as a rookie.

 

Place Kicker

Graham Gano

 

Punter

Brad Nortman

 

Long Snapper

JJ Jansen

 

Practice Squad

Marcus Lucas

Darrin Reaves

Andrew Norwell

Carrington Byndom

Philly Brown

 

Hopefully Lucas and Brown aren't snagged by another team who can sign then to an active roster.

 

[Lemory]

Best one I've seen so far. I noticed Boston isn't on there. Do you think we IR him or just cut him?

[nosuchthingasapanther]

stewart the #1 back???

this thread is gonna get good real fast.

[Jeremy Igo]

Best one I've seen so far. I noticed Boston isn't on there. Do you think we IR him or just cut him?

 

IR for sure. He has missed way too much camp already. As we have seen in the past, it doesn't take much for a rookie to be IR'd.

[PantherWake]

Wow your list is spot on IMO

[jtnc]

Lol at Stewart starting.

[Dex]

Love everything besides Underwood. Waste of a roster spot when Lucas is right in front of us.

[Jeremy Igo]

Love everything besides Underwood. Waste of a roster spot when Lucas is right in front of us.

 

I am hoping Lucas tears it up in the preseason and replaces Underwood.

 

Adding him to the PS is a scary proposition, I feel like someone will grab him. '

 

 

I spoke to Lucas a bit yesterday. Really nice kid. Humble, soft spoken, just grateful to be there. I like that.

[rscott94]

I know this sounds ridiculous but that's a stacked Practice Squad 

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

I think Dockery makes the roster but other than that it looks good. 

[Dex]

I am hoping Lucas tears it up in the preseason and replaces Underwood.

Adding him to the PS is a scary proposition, I feel like someone will grab him. '

I spoke to Lucas a bit yesterday. Really nice kid. Humble, soft spoken, just grateful to be there. I like that.

Yeah I don't think he would clear waivers. We need more size in our WR core. KB and Lucas in the red zone with two TE and Tolbert at back gives me a half chub.

[davos]

I think Dockery makes the roster but other than that it looks good.

Same here

[Jeremy Igo]

Same here

 

Who would you replace? Thomas?

[Cary Kollins]

I don't necessarily disagree, but what makes you think Stewart is the clear #1 back?