Mike Kaye's depth chart

[45catfan]

There's several rough groups.  Anyone saying it's just 'x' is delusional.  Of course this all can't be fixed in one year and saying we are even close is laughable.

[Jackie Lee]

29 minutes ago, CPF4LIFE said:

We are gonna have to ride this thing a little longer til its painfully clear Bryce isnt the answer.

At least every article I've seen in the last couple weeks say he has no more excuses with the upgraded guards and trade for WR. Basically everyone is over it besides Tepper and like 5 people here on the huddle lol

[csx]

1 hour ago, Jackie Lee said:

The vision is not really making sense at the moment. Canales wants to run the ball and dink and dunk to take the pressure of Bryce, but the defense is going to be giving up so many points he's gonna have to sling it. I'd rather that happen and see if he can do it so they can make a decision on whether he's the guy or not by mid season. Not expecting many wins with this current formula but at least they haven't made any dumb trades yet

It's going to take more than one free agency for a coach to build what he wants. Obviously this season isn't the culmination of what Canales would want to do.

[Jackie Lee]

3 minutes ago, csx said:

It's going to take more than one free agency for a coach to build what he wants. Obviously this season isn't the culmination of what Canales would want to do.

Yeah I'm just curious to see what the moves/reactions are a month into the season. Hard to tell if it's an actual new staff doing things the right way or just some guys doing what Tepper wants, and it'll take a few games to see if Canales and Morgan have some real balls to try and do whatever is necessary to try and win games

[TheSpecialJuan]

QUARTERBACK

The starter: Bryce Young The backup: Andy Dalton The Panthers have a ton invested in Young, last year’s first overall pick, and they have doubled down on that investment by paying a pair of veteran guards a ton of cash to protect him. Young’s surrounding cast was a disaster last season, and Morgan has gone about fixing that problem by making logical additions to the offensive line and trading for wideout Diontae Johnson

Young will need to step up his performance with a better supporting group around him. Dalton, the journeyman backup, will continue to be a guiding force behind the scenes for Young.

RUNNING BACK

The starter: Chuba Hubbard The backups: Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Tarik Cohen, Mike Boone, Spencer Brown Canales promises to be stubborn when it comes to running the football. He’s also already anointed Hubbard as his current starter in the backfield. Hubbard had a strong third season in Carolina in 2023. He will get a chance to earn a big-money contract — by running back standards — if he can put up a career year in his fourth different offense in four years. Sanders is coming off a brutal first year in Charlotte, and he will need to bounce back in a big way to earn playing time, despite his lofty guaranteed salary. Blackshear will likely continue to handle kick return duties, but he could face competition from Cohen, whose comeback story is worth monitoring. Running back feels like a position where the Panthers will invest a Day 3 pick in a young prospect. The Panthers are lacking in the power department at the position

WIDE RECEIVER

The starters: Diontae Johnson, Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen (slot)

The backups: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore, Terrace Marshall, Cam Sims, Michael Strachan, Jalen Camp

Johnson, acquired for cornerback Donte Jackson and a late-round pick swap, was an immediate upgrade on the outside at wide receiver. Johnson had his locker room struggles in Pittsburgh, but he could be just what the Panthers need at the top outside receiver spot, as he is a terrific route runner with above-average speed. The Panthers were lacking in both attributes last season. Thielen surpassed 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards for the second time in his career last year. He is a dependable slot receiver who should benefit from Johnson’s presence on the outside. The Panthers are also hoping that Mingo, last year’s second-round pick, improves with Johnson in the lineup. The 2024 season is going to be a huge one for Mingo, who failed to haul in a touchdown pass as a rookie. Smith-Marsette — the team’s primary punt returner — is probably the only other wideout who should be penciled into 53-man roster projections. Moore was signed because he’s familiar with the staff, but he’s not guarantee a spot. Marshall, Sims, Strachan and Camp will likely be upgraded in the draft, perhaps by multiple prospects. The Panthers are likely to take at least one wide receiver on Day 2 of the draft

TIGHT END

The starter: Tommy Tremble The backups: Ian Thomas, Stephen Sullivan, Jordan Matthews, Chris Pierce The Panthers quickly rid themselves of Hayden Hurst at the start of the new league year, despite the massive dead money penalty that came with his release. The team has yet to replace Hurst in the lineup, but Morgan was quick to praise Tremble in Indianapolis during the NFL Scouting Combine

Tremble is likely to lead the position group, barring a high pick being spent on a tight end during draft weekend. Tremble showed some legitimate growth as a playmaker last year, and he is one of the better blocking tight ends on the team. Thomas, who took another pay cut this offseason, is likely to be a fixture of two-tight end sets this season, while Sullivan will be more of the flash player at the position. Matthews and Pierce will likely compete with an incoming rookie to force the Panthers to keep four tight ends

OFFENSIVE LINE

The starters: Ikem Ekwonu (LT), Damien Lewis (LG), Austin Corbett (C), Robert Hunt (RG), Taylor Moton (RT) The backups: Yosh Nijman, Brady Christensen, Cade Mays, Nash Jensen, Chandler Zavala, JD DiRenzo, Ricky Lee, Ilm Manning, Badara Traore The Panthers made it a priority to upgrade the two guard spots following the disastrous injury turnstile at both positions last season. They paid huge sums to land Lewis and Hunt, and the hope is that the new linemen will be able to give Young time to step up in the pocket. With Lewis and Hunt on board, Corbett, the former starting right guard, is expected to shift to center. Corbett is considered an athletic upgrade over former starter Bradley Bozeman. He is also considered to be among the smartest players on the squad. Corbett is coming off his second knee surgery in as many years, so the move to center will probably be a work-in-progress throughout the offseason

Ekwonu and Moton will continue to man the tackle spots. They’ll be backed up by the presence of Nijman, who signed an incentive-laden deal to be the swing tackle for the foreseeable future. If Moton or Ekwonu falter this season, Nijman has the experience and athleticism — and the contract — to replace either of them this year and beyond. Christensen, the former starting left guard, has the versatility to back up four positions. That versatility should keep him active on game days, barring an unexpected trade. Mays, Jensen, Lee, DiRenzo, Manning and Traore are the youngsters competing for depth spots, but they are likely to be joined by a rookie draft pick or two this summer

[CPF4LIFE]

Yes i have liked the improvements on offense and we can still add a top receiver, Center and a Tight End through the draft.  There will be no excuses to not atleast perform up to the expectations of a number 1 overall pick thats for sure.

[TheSpecialJuan]

DEFENSIVE LINE

The starters: Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, A’Shawn Robinson

The backups: LaBryan Ray, Nick Thurman, Raequan Williams Robinson was a major free-agent addition for the trenches. The big-bodied lineman is known for his ability to stop the run, which was an attribute desperately needed for a defensive front that got regularly pushed around last season. Brown was the team’s best player last season. Coming off his first Pro Bowl, Brown is expected to lead the defense as a captain and franchise stalwart. He is likely to sign a long-term contract extension in short order Tuttle returns to his nose tackle role, where he had an up-and-down first year in Carolina. He will likely improve with the presence of Robinson, who serves as a massive body to push runners inside. Ray and Thurman surprised with solid performances last season. They’ll compete with Williams and other eventual add-ons for roster spots

INSIDE LINEBACKER

The starters: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell

The backups: Chandler Wooten, Claudin Cherelus With Frankie Luvu heading to Washington, the Panthers needed a veteran replacement at one of the inside linebacker spots. Jewell is a longtime starter who has experience with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and linebackers coach Peter Hansen. He should be able to hit the ground running given his experience within the system. Thompson is coming off a major leg injury, but Morgan has expressed confidence he can return to form in the middle. The Panthers are likely to get some long-term insurance for Thompson in the draft, but for now, the longtime captain is expected to make the calls for the defense this season. Wooten and Cherelus have flashed on special teams and are likely to get a leg up in most competition because of their work in the third phase. However, a mid-round rookie being added to the group feels like a foregone conclusion at this point

CORNERBACK

The starters: Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson, Troy Hill (nickel)

The backups: Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison, Lamar Jackson, A.J. Parker Horn’s fifth-year option looms large as the Panthers have to make a decision on the oft-injured cornerback’s future by May Horn will return to the defense as the top player at his position, but he is a concern from a durability standpoint. When Horn is healthy, he’s a top-10 cornerback in the NFL. However, his status is put into question too often to trust him to be in the lineup. The Panthers added Dane Jackson to the lineup in free agency. Dane Jackson was a favorite of Morgan’s in Buffalo, and he should be able to fill in the spot left by Donte Jackson following the trade with the Steelers. Hill will also return as the team’s primary nickel corner after posting a solid campaign last season in Charlotte. Bootle was a special teams standout last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He also flashed potential on defense. Bootle, as of now, is probably the team’s fourth corner on the depth chart. That said, look for the Panthers to attack the position in the draft or later in free agency to make sure they have some more options beyond Jamison, Parker and Lamar Jackson

SAFETY

The starters: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller

The backups: Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook Woods will continue to lead the safety group for a third season in Carolina. The veteran defensive back had an underrated performance in the secondary last year, and the expectation is that he will benefit from having a more athletic partner at the position this year. Fuller, a former Los Angeles Rams defender, is expected to be the youthful partner opposite Woods. Fuller, who has a history with Evero, will take the place of Vonn Bell, who was unceremoniously released this month. Fuller and Woods will be used interchangeably in the defensive backfield, and Fuller’s experience with Evero should help him adapt quickly to the defense Scott was added Friday to provide depth on defense and special teams. Like Fuller, Scott played under Evero in LA, and he should be able to pick up the defense relatively quickly for a new recruit. Cook got some legitimate playing time last season, and he flashed at times during his fill-in snaps. Robinson, last year’s fifth round pick, could see an uptick in playing time in his second season. Both Cook and Robinson are likely to be special teams mainstays as well

SPECIALISTS

The starters: Johnny Hekker (P), Eddy Piñeiro (K), JJ Jansen (LS)

Jansen was re-signed earlier this month to make sure this trio stayed in place. Hekker is one of the best punters in the league, while Piñeiro has been relatively steady for Carolina when healthy. The only shot of competition here might be at kicker just to preserve Piñeiro’s leg for when it counts the most

[Ornias]

I don't care how cheap a contract TMJ may be on, he should be gone 5 minutes after our 1st pick. 

[MHS831]

4 hours ago, 45catfan said:

There's several rough groups.  Anyone saying it's just 'x' is delusional.  Of course this all can't be fixed in one year and saying we are even close is laughable.

What bothers me is we have spent about 6 years in denial- signing one year contracts and not developing young players.  Not drafting well. Too much dead cap---QB carousel.  Crazy

Now, even if Bryce sucks next year, and I really think he will improve a lot, but let's face it, with the QB draft next year, he has 3 years to prove himself.   Regardless, we are building a young team across the board and we are going to rise the tide to lift all boats instead of renting boats.

 

I think we discussed (about 5 or 6 weeks ago) that McCarthy would be there at 33--and debated whether we'd take him.  Washington brass, allegedly, mentioned him repeatedly as the #2 overall pick.  Would that not be something?  I think they are lying--I think they will go with Daniels.   However, that could make the first round wacky--wonder what the Giants/Vikings would do?  Popcorn

Edited March 26 by MHS831

[Loyalty4Life]

Evero's defense is a 2 high shell.  It's not just the rules these days allowing offenses to score more easily.  It's much more difficult in today's NFL to get over the top since Vic Fangiono's style defense has gotten more and more popular. 

Losing Burns is a loss in my opinion but overall I think we'll be a better defense because it's year two and Evero has more guys that fit his system.  With the addition of Robinson and Wonnum as well as others I think we are going to be much improved against the run.  With any improvement on offense that is also going to help the defense who kept us in a lot of games last year but couldn't last the entire game.

I am in.

[rayzor]

8 hours ago, MHS831 said:

What bothers me is we have spent about 6 years in denial- signing one year contracts and not developing young players.  Not drafting well. Too much dead cap---QB carousel.  Crazy

Now, even if Bryce sucks next year, and I really think he will improve a lot, but let's face it, with the QB draft next year, he has 3 years to prove himself.   Regardless, we are building a young team across the board and we are going to rise the tide to lift all boats instead of renting boats.

 

I think we discussed (about 5 or 6 weeks ago) that McCarthy would be there at 33--and debated whether we'd take him.  Washington brass, allegedly, mentioned him repeatedly as the #2 overall pick.  Would that not be something?  I think they are lying--I think they will go with Daniels.   However, that could make the first round wacky--wonder what the Giants/Vikings would do?  Popcorn

one thing that made matters worse was that we weren't just bad at developing talent, identifying talent, opting for athleticism over positional talent and drive...we actually thought each year we were ready to contend with just a few vet additions. we thought we were only a pick or two away from being really good. Once rhule got here and we started losing what dawgs we had here we needed a rebuild. 

there has not been a long range vision for the team in a long time, i mean aside from rhule's "7 year plan" to change the culture, which he did in one year by completely destroying what culture we had.

they finally realize they are starting essentially from ground zero, especially on offense, and are acting accordingly, and are realizing that you build through the draft and fill holes through FA.

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, rayzor said:

one thing that made matters worse was that we weren't just bad at developing talent, identifying talent, opting for athleticism over positional talent and drive...we actually thought each year we were ready to contend with just a few vet additions. we thought we were only a pick or two away from being really good. Once rhule got here and we started losing what dawgs we had here we needed a rebuild. 

there has not been a long range vision for the team in a long time, i mean aside from rhule's "7 year plan" to change the culture, which he did in one year by completely destroying what culture we had.

they finally realize they are starting essentially from ground zero, especially on offense, and are acting accordingly, and are realizing that you build through the draft and fill holes through FA.

Id give you 2 pies if I could.  We have had leaky plumbing that has been flooding the kitchen year after year and we are wrapping the pipes in electrical tape