Carolina Panthers: 4 players hurt most by lack of OTAs, minicamps

Carolina Panthers Player No. 1: Christian Miller (OLB)

The Carolina Panthers drafted Christian Miller in the fourth-round last year. But he was used sparingly during his rookie campaign.

This has left more questions than answers regarding the player, who will now have to impress a completely new regime in order to see an increased role. It is a far from ideal situation for Miller, who has his work cut out to earn prominent game time on a Panthers’ defensive front seven that seems loaded with playmakers.

Miller was given time to adjust to the rigors of NFL life during his rookie campaign. And although this saw the player feature in only seven games. The experience should have been of some use.

The player does possess some versatility that the coaching staff has looked for often during free agency and the NFL Draft. Miller has plenty of players slotted ahead of him on the depth chart at defensive end or outside linebacker. So what he does between now and the season opener will go a long way to determining his overall fortunes.

Carolina doesn’t have much in the way of financial commitment going Miller’s way. But they might be prudent to keep him around on a rotational basis providing he shows what he can offer.

If things don’t work out, Miller can be released next spring at a saving of around $700,000. The individual and the organization will be hoping it doesn’t come to this. But the jury is still out as to whether he can become a valuable part of the roster.