Panthers 3 strongest positions heading into 2018

Kick return

This position may seem a bit odd given the fact that it is comprised of players from other positions. However, any coach will tell you that special teams is very important. Particularly as it relates to kick returns, having a group you can feel confident putting back there is important.

Damiere Byrd is first on the list per the most recent depth chart from OurLads.com. He filled the kick return role nicely during the preseason, taking the ball out five times for 110 yards.  During the regular season last year, he returned the ball seven times for 229 yards. Due to injury those statistics are not as great as they should be. Now, Byrd will have a chance to prove himself this year.

Christian McCaffrey would be the next in line. In addition to being an explosive running back, he is also a good returner. He returned the ball three times for 58 yards last year, averaging 19.3 yards per return. In the preseason, he did not see much action of kickoff return duty focusing his talents at running back. Even still, he has proven to be an effective weapon out of the backfield.

Speedster Curtis Samuel is next on the depth chart. Last season, he took the ball out 10 times for 221 yards averaging 22.1 yards per return. Although not quite at the 25-yard mark, much like Byrd, those numbers were a bit skewed due to injury. He could increase those this year. In the preseason, he returned the ball two times for 36 yards. Assuming he is healthy, those numbers should go up a bit as well.

Add in the rookie D.J. Moore to that mix and you have a very talented quartet. With how much skill they possess, this is definitely one of the most cataclysmic positions on the Carolina Panthers roster.