Panthers depth chart: Production expected from OLB position
By Dean Jones
How does the outside linebacker position look for the Carolina Panthers heading into 2020?
The Carolina Panthers depth chart now boasts some intriguing options at the outside linebacker position. There should be plenty of opportunities for them to shine in defensive coordinator Phil Snow’s scheme as the franchise revert back to a 4-3 base in 2020.
It has been an offseason that will live long in the memory for the organization. Plenty of established stars have moved on and replaced by a young core that will be expected to lead the Panthers back to prominence in the coming years.
While some veteran players remain on defense. This is going to be an inexperienced group heading into the new season. How they acclimatize as the games wear on will play a huge contributing factor in any achievements that come for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and beyond.
The outside linebacker spot has lost two prominent players that have operated in this position during their time with the organization. Bruce Irvin managed to achieve 8.5 sacks in 2019 and opted to depart in favor of a free-agent move to the Seattle Seahawks.
Another eye-catching absentee in 2020 is Mario Addison, who also finds himself in a new environment following a big-money move to the Buffalo Bills. This leaves the Panthers with a lack of familiarity between the current group heading into the season.
Despite the mass exodus, the Panthers still have some game-changing players they can utilize at outside linebacker. Their front seven could be vastly improved in 2020, which could be the catalyst behind a slight turnaround in fortunes during Matt Rhule’s first year of his rebuild.