Positions to watch as Carolina Panthers OTAs begin

Keep an eye on these two Carolina Panthers positions as OTAs begin this week.

The offseason calendar for NFL teams limits the amount of time players and coaches can spend on the field training but as the Carolina Panthers begin practice this week, many are expected to be in attendance. Even though the first phase of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) may officially be voluntary, expectations are that all members of the Panthers locker room will be present.

Featuring a roster significantly different from years past after experiencing a lot of turnover due to retirements and an unwillingness to extend aging veterans, general manager Marty Hurney is attempting to construct anew. Hoping to surround quarterback Cam Newton with protection and offensive weapons, much of the focus has been on rebuilding the defensive front as well.

While plenty of focus remains in each of these areas, there are two important position battles to watch as all players join together for their first practices. Newton isn’t expected to throw and although his participation level is unknown, quarterback is the highlight on offense.

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Carolina drafted Will Grier in the third-round this year, taking a quarterback for the first time since Newton began his tenure with the team. An expiring contract and continued health concerns put the focus clearly on this area. Grier joins Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke to compete for the lone backup position and despite their production, keeping two or three signal callers on the final roster may indicate how the team ultimately feels about Newton’s status.

Two would clear the focus off Newton, leaving no questions about his shoulder but three displays a plan for the future and potential uneasiness about his durability.

On defense, a revamped front in hopes of applying more pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a targeted area throughout the free agent period and NFL Draft. Here Hurney made a few moves, including drafting Florida State hybrid defensive end Brian Burns with the team’s first-round pick.

Regardless, it is behind this unit where fans should focus their attention as OTAs begin. Eric Reid signed on early last season and played well enough to earn an extension but after failing to negotiate with Mike Adams, the Panthers have a starting position open on the back end of their defense.

Releasing Da’Norris Searcy should be a wake up call for Rashaan Gaulden, in addition to the other players in the defensive backfield. Someone needs to step up and earn the spot opposite Reid and a first impression can be made during OTAs this week.

Competition at both of these position areas is expected to be intense as the offseason progresses.