Carolina Panthers Week 1 roster prediction

Carolina Panthers Week 1 roster prediction – Defense

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Luke Kuechly #59 and teammate Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers react against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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Shaq Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 22: Shaq Green-Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after breaking up a pass against the Washington Redskins during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 22, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Pathers won 44-16. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Linebacker (7)

Jermaine Carter, Luke Kuechly, Jordan Kunaszyk, Christian Miller, Jared Norris, Andre Smith, Shaq Thompson

Veteran captain Thomas Davis is going to be missed from this unit. Despite talk of being on board with a reduced role in each of the past two seasons, the Panthers relied on his production and presence in the locker room and on the field.

Shaq Thompson was considered the heir apparent ever since being selected in 2015 but after four solid years of production – who is going to replace him? That question is going to be answered by one of two exciting candidates.

Jermaine Carter owns the upper hand early but should be pushed by Andre Smith and undrafted free agent signee Jordan Kunaszyk, who has an opportunity to earn a position through his play and potential special teams production.

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