The Panthers are trying to build on the positives from 2024 and contend for the NFC South, and that starts with cutting down the roster in August.

 

Quarterback (2)

Bryce Young, Andy Dalton

 

Bryce Young deserves a ton of credit for bouncing back from being benched last year, and it’s crazy that Andy Dalton being in a minor car accident was the circumstance that gave the former No. 1 overall pick another shot. Carolina has confidence in Dalton moving the offense if forced into action, but Young will determine their success as a team.

 

Running back (3)

Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, Trevor Etienne (R)

 

Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss the entire season, and we can only hope he can find his way back on the field by 2026. For this year, the Panthers are still in good shape with Rico Dowdle signed after a breakout season in Dallas and Trevor Etienne being a strong value in the fourth round—which probably knocks Raheem Blackshear off the bubble.

 

Wide receiver (6)

Tetairoa McMillan (R), Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, Hunter Renfrow, Jimmy Horn Jr. (R), Jalen Coker

 

The starting trio of No. 8 overall pick Tetairoa McMillan, 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette, and veteran Adam Thielen are the only ones locked into the roster—and a few options will battle for the other spots this summer. We like Hunter Renfrow to make it after a year away from the game, Jimmy Horn Jr. brings a speed element that’s lacking, and Jalen Coker might have shown enough as a rookie to beat out David Moore.

 

Tight end (3)

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans (R)

 

Carolina might not have a star at tight end, but they have a very solid group with Ja’Tavion Sanders (who could make a Year 2 leap), an excellent blocker in Tommy Tremble, and a well-rounded rookie in Mitchell Evans. We’ll see how head coach Dave Canales mixes and matches the personnel this fall.

 

Offensive tackle (3)

Ikem Ekwonu, Taylor Moton, Yosh Nijman

 

The Panthers have Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton entering the fourth year together, and Yosh Nijman is a very capable swing tackle. Brandon Walton—who played under Canales in Tampa Bay—is the other guy who could potentially make it if a fourth tackle is kept.

 

Interior offensive line (6)

Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Brady Christensen, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala

 

Perhaps the top reason to believe in Carolina this year is the depth they have on the offensive line, as they should still be in good shape if an injury or two were to strike. It’s also good to have the group set heading into training camp to focus on continuing to build chemistry rather than any roster battles.

 

Interior defensive line (6)

Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, Tershawn Wharton, A’Shawn Robinson, Cam Jackson (R), Shy Tuttle

 

Carolina allowed a whopping 179.8 rushing yards per game last year, so we’ll see if the new duo of Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton joining Derrick Brown will make a difference. We also like the addition of Cam Jackson in the draft as a guy who can help set the tone in a rotational role, and the position battle here will likely be between Shy Tuttle and LaBryan Ray for one spot.

 

Edge defender (6)

D.J. Wonnum, Nic Scourton (R), Princely Umanmielen (R), Patrick Jones II, DJ Johnson, Carlos Basham

 

The back-to-back selections of Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2 of the draft will hopefully provide a jolt on the edge, and having a boosted interior presence will help, too. Carolina has the top four rushers set, but former third-rounder DJ Johnson will be in a battle with Carlos Basham and Amaré Barno for the final spot or two.

 

Linebacker (5)

Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Christian Rozeboom, Jacoby Windmon, Claudin Cherelus

 

Trevin Wallace was considered somewhat of a raw prospect coming out of Kentucky, but he gained valuable starting experience as a rookie before a shoulder injury ended his season in December; he’ll be a starter next to Josey Jewell. Jon Rhattigan is the top option left off the roster, and perhaps he can push out Jacoby Windmon or Claudin Cherelus for a spot.

 

Cornerback (6)

Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Akayleb Evans, MJ Devonshire, Shemar Bartholomew

 

Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, and Chau Smith-Wade is a very good trio at cornerback, but the depth will be question mark for the Panthers. That said, it’s a unique situation where the position is a need but proven options might be unlikely to sign with the starters set, so we’ll go with three backups to make it—and a veteran signing could happen if needed during the season.

 

Safety (4)

Tre’von Moehrig, Lathan Ransom (R), Demani Richardson, Nick Scott

 

Carolina is counting on Tre’von Moehrig to be an impact player on the backend after signing a three-year, $51 million deal in free agency—and his tackling in particular needs to boost a struggling unit. Fourth-round pick Latham Ransom could immediately push for a starting role, but it should be a close competition with Demani Richardson and Nick Scott for snaps.

 

Special teams (3)

Matthew Wright, Sam Martin, JJ Jansen

 

After going 15-of-16 on field goals with three teams last season, Matthew Wright has the leg up in a kicking competition with undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald. The winner will join punter Sam Martin and returning long snapper JJ Jansen on special teams.