Breaking down the 53-man roster

[TheSpecialJuan]

The Panthers’ initial 53-man roster for the 2017 regular season is comprised of all seven drafted rookies, one undrafted rookie, eight players signed in the offseason and 37 players who spent time on the roster in 2016.

Undrafted rookie cornerback Cole Luke made the team, as did three street free agents. Wide receiver Kaelin Clay was on injured reserve with the Ravens last season; guard Amini Silatolu was waived in the Bears’ final roster cutdown last season; and center Greg Van Roten signed on the eve of training camp after having been waived by the Jaguars in May.

Aside from players placed on injured reserve during the roster cutdown process, just three players who spent any time on the Panthers roster last season were let go – quarterback Joe Webb, punter Andy Lee and defensive end Larry Webster (called up from the practice squad in Week 17).

Here's a look at how each position group stacks up:

QUARTERBACKS (2): Cam Newton, Derek Anderson

The Panthers went with just two quarterbacks – as the majority of the league usually does – for the first time since 2013 by parting ways with Webb. A jack of all trades who made his mark on special teams and behind the scenes as scout team quarterback, Webb had value but was a victim of the difficult decisions faced this time of year.

RUNNING BACKS (5): Jonathan Stewart, Christian McCaffrey, Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron Artis-Payne, Alex Armah

The decision to keep just two quarterbacks allowed the Panthers to keep one more running back than last season. A very strong preseason performance by Artis-Payne proved he’s capable of stepping into Stewart’s role if the veteran of nine NFL seasons were to go down. The Panthers went with youth at fullback, selecting sixth-round draft pick Alex Armah over six-season veteran Darrel Young in a close race.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Curtis Samuel, Russell Shepard, Damiere Byrd, Kaelin Clay

The big winner in an ultra-competition position battle was Clay, who capped a strong preseason with a 47-yard grab in the preseason finale that highlighted his speed but also his hands and agility. A shoulder injury that landed Brenton Bersin on injured reserve allowed room for Clay. Look for a couple of receivers – perhaps Austin Duke and/or Keyarris Garrett - to land on the team’s 10-man practice squad.

TIGHT ENDS (3): Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Chris Manhertz

This positon pretty much took care of itself when Scott Simonson (back) headed to injured reserve with a back injury. Regardless of that, Manhertz came on late in the preseason, including a five-catch performance in the final game of the preseason.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Ryan Kalil (C), Matt Kalil (OT), Daryl Williams (OT), Trai Turner (G), Andrew Norwell (G), Tyler Larsen (C), Taylor Moton (OT), Amini Silatolu (G), Greg Van Roten (C)

Again, injuries made the choices here a little more straightforward, with versatile guard Chris Scott (concussion), center Gino Gradkowski (shoulder), guard David Yankey (back) and tackle Dan France (concussion) now all on IR. Silatolu is the only backup officially listed as a guard, though he worked almost exclusively as tackle in the preseason. But Silatolu was drafted and has played extensively at guard, and Van Roten has notable experience there as well.

[TheSpecialJuan]

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Breaking-down-the-53-man-roster/ba8a90f9-cbde-4044-9ae4-34775c84a525

[GoobyPls]

Can't believe Ed Dickson has made it through 3 seasons with us.

[Daddy_Uncle]

10 minutes ago, GoobyPls said:

Can't believe Ed Dickson has made it through 3 seasons with us.

Contrary to popular belief he has been very solid for us. Flashy? No. Solid? yes

[GoobyPls]

3 minutes ago, Daddy_Uncle said:

Contrary to popular belief he has been very solid for us. Flashy? No. Solid? yes

No he hasn't, he drops everything and can't block for s**t

[Jeremy Igo]

24 minutes ago, GoobyPls said:

No he hasn't, he drops everything and can't block for s**t

He had a solid block on all of McCaffrey's long runs. 

[XClown1986]

So we have to make another cut by 4pm. Right?

[Shocker]

Dont love the Lee cut but love who he did keep.  

[TheSpecialJuan]

Keep in mind, we are slotted 8th in the waiver wire list of teams.