Panthers 53-man roster projection surprises
Linebacker
Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis (suspended), Shaq Thompson, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs, Jared Norris, Jermaine Carter Jr., Andre Smith
Seventh round pick Andre Smith is being projected to make the final 53-man roster. Many draft picks are essentially guaranteed a roster position but for those selected after the first three or four rounds their chances decrease dramatically.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Smith finds himself in a unique situation because Panthers captain and veteran linebacker Thomas Davis has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season. While ineligible, Carolina doesn’t have to count him against their final number meaning one additional spot is available.
Likely to carry the same number of players at linebacker, with or without Davis, Smith has an opportunity to continually impress and earn a full time position. Although he will be behind Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter Jr., David Mayo and Ben Jacobs it would be a nice beginning for Smith.
The Panthers may also elect to utilize this added position elsewhere, perhaps keeping a sixth wide receiver, third quarterback or additional offensive lineman through at least the first four games of the year until Davis returns.
Nobody can know for sure until the September 1 deadline but general manager Marty Hurney along with coach Ron Rivera and his staff will be working overtime to finalize their team during the next few weeks.
Next. CAR vs. NE - Matchups to Watch. dark
View the full 53-man roster projection from The Charlotte Observer here.