Panthers depth chart: How will ILB spot cope without Kuechly?

Panthers depth chart: The projected backups

The Carolina Panthers depth chart looks especially slim behind Tahir Whitehead. This will put even more pressure on their free-agent acquisition to produce the goods on a consistent basis.

Andre Smith is slotted as the No. 2 option prior to training camp. The player was a seventh-round pick back in 2018 and was a bit-part contributor last year.

There is a slight chance he could bring his game on with more time on the field. But his play so far has done little to suggest that Smith is a viable long-term starting option at the position.

It appeared strange that the Panthers did not use any of their all-defensive draft picks on a linebacker given Luke Kuechly’s departure. But they did manage to pick up a pair of undrafted free agents that have a tremendous amount of upside.

Jordan Mack might be a little undersized for the NFL. However, he has the versatility Matt Rhule loves and provides a fierce pass-rushing presence from the middle of the field during his time at Virginia.

There is plenty of hope Mack can make a notable impression during training camp and earn a spot on the roster. This will not be easy in limited time. But the prospect has plenty going for him from a talent perspective.

Chris Orr is another college recruit with a realistic chance of making the 53-man roster in 2020. He is a brute tackling force that does need some refinement. And it will be interesting to see what sort of impression he can make during preseason fixtures.

The Panthers depth chart at inside linebacker will be relying heavily on Whitehead given the lack of quality experience behind him. Carolina’s coaching staff could also use Jordan Kunaszyk on the inside, although he is more productive on the edge.