What sort of impact will the new recruits that have a previous relationship with head coach Matt Rhule have on the Carolina Panthers in 2020?
Matt Rhule has surrounded himself with familiar faces as he looks to get his time with the Carolina Panthers off to the best possible start. This might not come with immediate success. But the head coach has a strong record of transforming college programs and hopefully, he can transition this to the NFL.
The Carolina Panthers bet big on Rhule to turn them back into contenders. He was given considerable leeway alongside general manager Marty Hurney to rid the roster of virtually all veteran leadership this offseason. And this has left them with plenty of young talent with little experience.
There will always be stumbling blocks to overcome during the first year of a rebuild. The Panthers find themselves in a tough division and they must come out of the upcoming campaign with signs of encouragement in order to become an attractive destination for free agents in 2021.
Rhule has got himself something of a security blanket with players that he worked with extensively during his time at either Baylor or Temple. Some are expected to contribute more than others. But having them around should give those unfamiliar with his methods a broader perspective of what to expect during training camp.
We took a look at each of Rhule’s former college proteges and their expected impact with the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: P.J. Walker (QB)
There is a lot to like about the sort of tools that quarterback PJ Walker brings to the table. And he arrives with the Carolina Panthers after a starring role in the XFL that saw him in MVP consideration before it was forced into an early shutdown.
It would be a huge shock if Walker wasn’t allocated the primary backup role behind Teddy Bridgewater. And there is even the potential for the signal-caller to come in on special packages due to his impressive ability to run the ball.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Robby Anderson (WR)
Outside of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, wide receiver Robby Anderson was the biggest name to arrive at the Carolina Panthers in free agency. He signed a two-year, $20 million deal from the New York Jets. And he will be for similar success to that he enjoyed with Rhule during their time at Temple.
His partnership with D.J. Moore in Joe Brady’s offense has a significant amount of potential. Anderson can stretch the field at will. And he promises to be a positive addition to the Panthers going forward.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Keith Kirkwood (WR)
Familiarity will be key for Keith Kirkwood as he embarks on a new chapter of his career with the Carolina Panthers. He has worked with both Matt Rhule and Joe Brady before. So this is going to stand him in enormously good stead during a limited preparation time before the season.
The first three wide receiver spots look cemented. But there is nothing to suggest that Kirkwood does not have a shot of making the No. 4 position his own despite the presence of fellow free-agent signings Seth Roberts and Pharoh Cooper.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Colin Thompson (TE)
This was one of the more surprising signings made by the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Colin Thompson has failed to make it onto an NFL roster as yet. But Matt Rhule will know more about what he brings to the table than anybody.
The tight end position looks relatively devoid of depth behind No. 1 option Ian Thomas. And it will be up to Thompson to perform well during training camp in pursuit of a roster push.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Sam Tecklenburg (OL)
Although Sam Tecklenburg went undrafted, it did not take long for Matt Rhule to offer him a deal with the Carolina Panthers. The offensive lineman has also seen time as a blocking tight end during his college career. And this sort of versatility is something that the organization has sought from their players this offseason.
Tecklenburg might be a little underdeveloped. But there is plenty to work with in terms of his skillset. This is another position where opportunities could come. And there is a chance he is given some sort of role on the roster.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Tahir Whitehead (LB)
Tahir Whitehead has the unenviable task of filling the void left by Luke Kuechly. The legendary linebacker called it a day after a standout eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers. And his loss on the field is going to be substantial.
That being said, Whitehead is a good tackler in space and should provide the Panthers with a short-term fill. He does lack a bit of awareness in coverage. But there is a chance he can earn an extension on the one-year, $2.5 million deal the player signed this offseason.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Bravvion Roy (DT)
The Carolina Panthers took Bravvion Roy with their sixth-round pick and enabled the incoming prospect to form a quick reunion with Matt Rhule. He is seen more of a rotational player behind Kawann Short and Derrick Brown initially. But the defensive tackle could make an impact when called upon.
How he develops his skills during the season should tell the organization a lot regarding whether Roy can emerge as a starting option in the future. There might be an opportunity available in 2021, with Short a prime candidate for release given his whopping salary cap hit.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Derrek Thomas (CB)
Derrek Thomas comes to the Carolina Panthers an undeveloped player that possesses some good athletic traits. While it might be difficult for the cornerback to earn a spot on the rotation initially. Matt Rhule will know all about what he needs to improve going forward.
This might stand the player in good stead having this sort of comfort blanket. And he might be able to make an impression on special teams providing he is given some time on the field during the preseason.
Carolina Panthers with Matt Rhule ties: Sam Franklin (LB)
Sam Franklin is another undrafted player that has his work cut out making the 53-man roster. This comes despite the lack of depth at inside linebacker. And putting him on the practice squad while he gets up to speed is a realistic option providing no other team wants to take a chance on him.