Rough Depth Chart (with position analyses)

[TheSpecialJuan]

Per Mike Kaye:

Here are the Panthers’ biggest remaining needs as the team enters free agency:

Safety: The Panthers have just two players at the position entering the middle of the week: Moehrig and second-year DB Demani Richardson. While Moehrig, based on his contract, is the crown jewel of the Panthers’ free-agent haul, Richardson is still a bit of a mystery. At best, the Panthers need at least three more players at safety, with at least one of them being good enough to compete with Richardson for a starting job. It’s pretty likely the Panthers add another external free agent at the position before the NFL Draft.

Outside linebacker: The Panthers brought in Jones to raise the oor of the depth chart on the edge. Jones, D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney are currently the Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the rst quarter at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl. on Sunday Dec 29, 2024 Nathan Ray Seebeck Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images top three players on the depth chart. From there, the unit has D.J. Johnson and not much else. And one could argue that Johnson will need to have a very strong summer to stick around for a third year. The Panthers need to get better here, whether in free agency or the draft.

Running back: Carolina cut veteran running back Miles Sanders on Tuesday. While Sanders was a disappointment during his two years in Charlotte, his release leaves the depth chart pretty light behind Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers only have Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks (coming o a second ACL surgery in as many oseasons) and Emani Bailey on the depth chart. There are plenty of options available in free agency at the running back position.

Wide receiver: The Panthers like the trio of Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, but they simply aren’t good enough to contend as a starting group. The Panthers need to raise the ceiling and the oor at the position, similar to the way they double dipped on defensive linemen on Monday. The options were somewhat limited in free agency at the position, but Carolina might have some hope coming in the draft or the trade market down the line.

Tight end: While Tremble is back in the mix, the Panthers have him, Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jordan Matthews as players of note at the position. Matthews, by the way, hasn’t caught a regular-season pass in several years. So, the Panthers might want to look at the free-agent or trade markets to add depth before the draft. That said, the rookie class at tight end is considered to be major strength of the incoming NFL talent.

Cornerback: Jackson and Jaycee Horn make up a strong pair of starters for the secondary. However, the nickel position is a bit of a mystery with second-year DB Chau Smith-Wade currently penciled into it. The rest of the group is lled with unknowns, and the Panthers could aord to bring in a proven commodity on a one-year deal to expand the experience in the room. Insurance, especially with Horn, is necessary

Inside linebacker: There isn’t much to write home about behind starters Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace. Claudin Cherelus, last year’s third inside linebacker for much of the season, is coming o toe surgery. Special teams ace Jon Rhattigan, while strong in his role, was rarely used on defense last year. Upgrades are necessary at this position, whether in the draft or in free agency. (Update: The Panthers agreed to terms with LB Christian Rozeboom on Wednesday.)

Kicker: The team signed Matthew Wright to compete this summer. But with Eddy Piñeiro likely headed elsewhere, the Panthers need to push Wright with a talented specialist.

Kick/punt returner

[TheSpecialJuan]

5 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Per Mike Kaye:

Here are the Panthers’ biggest remaining needs as the team enters free agency:

Safety: The Panthers have just two players at the position entering the middle of the week: Moehrig and second-year DB Demani Richardson. While Moehrig, based on his contract, is the crown jewel of the Panthers’ free-agent haul, Richardson is still a bit of a mystery. At best, the Panthers need at least three more players at safety, with at least one of them being good enough to compete with Richardson for a starting job. It’s pretty likely the Panthers add another external free agent at the position before the NFL Draft.

Outside linebacker: The Panthers brought in Jones to raise the oor of the depth chart on the edge. Jones, D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney are currently the Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the rst quarter at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl. on Sunday Dec 29, 2024 Nathan Ray Seebeck Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images top three players on the depth chart. From there, the unit has D.J. Johnson and not much else. And one could argue that Johnson will need to have a very strong summer to stick around for a third year. The Panthers need to get better here, whether in free agency or the draft.

Running back: Carolina cut veteran running back Miles Sanders on Tuesday. While Sanders was a disappointment during his two years in Charlotte, his release leaves the depth chart pretty light behind Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers only have Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks (coming o a second ACL surgery in as many oseasons) and Emani Bailey on the depth chart. There are plenty of options available in free agency at the running back position.

Wide receiver: The Panthers like the trio of Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, but they simply aren’t good enough to contend as a starting group. The Panthers need to raise the ceiling and the oor at the position, similar to the way they double dipped on defensive linemen on Monday. The options were somewhat limited in free agency at the position, but Carolina might have some hope coming in the draft or the trade market down the line.

Tight end: While Tremble is back in the mix, the Panthers have him, Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jordan Matthews as players of note at the position. Matthews, by the way, hasn’t caught a regular-season pass in several years. So, the Panthers might want to look at the free-agent or trade markets to add depth before the draft. That said, the rookie class at tight end is considered to be major strength of the incoming NFL talent.

Cornerback: Jackson and Jaycee Horn make up a strong pair of starters for the secondary. However, the nickel position is a bit of a mystery with second-year DB Chau Smith-Wade currently penciled into it. The rest of the group is lled with unknowns, and the Panthers could aord to bring in a proven commodity on a one-year deal to expand the experience in the room. Insurance, especially with Horn, is necessary

Inside linebacker: There isn’t much to write home about behind starters Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace. Claudin Cherelus, last year’s third inside linebacker for much of the season, is coming o toe surgery. Special teams ace Jon Rhattigan, while strong in his role, was rarely used on defense last year. Upgrades are necessary at this position, whether in the draft or in free agency. (Update: The Panthers agreed to terms with LB Christian Rozeboom on Wednesday.)

Kicker: The team signed Matthew Wright to compete this summer. But with Eddy Piñeiro likely headed elsewhere, the Panthers need to push Wright with a talented specialist.

Kick/punt returner

Kick/punt returner: Raheem Blackshear was ne in his role as a returner last year. However, the Panthers need to do better in that department this season. Blackshear, of note, is also a pending restricted free agent. Though, the expectation is that he won’t be tendered on Wednesday and will become an unrestricted free agent

[Icege]

1 hour ago, Basbear said:

 

I think caleb fairley can return for another cheap deal. But they claim that viking starter and kept the Barth dude around for the whole year. He was the top wavier claim among teams. 

 

FS is starting to scare me some.......

 

RB should be filled with one cheap FA proven(Rico Dowdle come home) and draft on mid-round that may have return skills

 

TE my main target was taken by shitheel Sean Payton, I think drafting one in the mid-round is path as well. 

There's the Dowdle signing! Grab RB3 on day three and the room is all set.

FS has me a little worried... WR/TE/CB there's some good talent out there still to fill in gaps.

This is the most complete the roster has looked since before Rhule... we've been down bad for a minute. Fingers and toes crossed that the offense takes the next step and defense doesn't give games away.

[kungfoodude]

21 minutes ago, Icege said:

There's the Dowdle signing! Grab RB3 on day three and the room is all set.

FS has me a little worried... WR/TE/CB there's some good talent out there still to fill in gaps.

This is the most complete the roster has looked since before Rhule... we've been down bad for a minute. Fingers and toes crossed that the offense takes the next step and defense doesn't give games away.

TBH, almost all the Rhule rosters were better than this. 

[Shocker]

@MHS831 very well done!!!  Awesome man thank you

Just saying but Jalen Walker can play snaps at like 3 of those need positions.

Edited 4 hours ago by Shocker

[MHS831]

29 minutes ago, Shocker said:

@MHS831 very well done!!!  Awesome man thank you

Just saying but Jalen Walker can play snaps at like 3 of those need positions.

Happy to do it--as I said, it is the only way I can see the board.  I see Jalen as a possibility, and he has a strength nobody has really mentioned much--with today's elusive QB, he would be an excellent shadow.  He can move around, screwing with the C and OL, step up to blitz--the qb motions in a back to block him--and he drops into middle coverage and shadows the qb.  This should help our edges.

I should also say this:  If we start stuffing the run, the offense is going to pass more.  Jalen can cover the TE if needed.  A back if needed.  Not ideal, but sometimes the threat of a blitz or rush is better than actually doing it. 

We must understand that if we stuff the run, the offense will throw.  there could be situations in which we'd pull Roseboom or Jewell and move Walker into the ILB role while we add a dime back.  Of course, everyone says he is an edge, but we need to make sure that we maximize his skill set.  Just my opinion, Shocker.

[Shocker]

I am absolutely not pushing for Walker but he is really good and every time I see him talk he is so impressive.  So damn smart and natural leader.  I love the guy.

[MHS831]

30 minutes ago, Shocker said:

I am absolutely not pushing for Walker but he is really good and every time I see him talk he is so impressive.  So damn smart and natural leader.  I love the guy.

He has the "it" factor.  A cerebral, balanced young man who you would want to follow.  That matters.  I actually used to spend time with his Dad (before he was born) and other coaches at Catawba--I don't remember much about it, but i was impressed with the group.  At the same time, Coastal Carolina started a program and they hired the Catawba head coach--Bennett.  My point?  He has been around football his entire life. 

Edited 2 hours ago by MHS831