Which members of the Carolina Panthers should be worth keeping an eye on closely during training camp?
The time for talk is almost over for the Carolina Panthers. They are returning to their training camp in the coming days. And this will give new head coach Matt Rhule the first opportunity to work and even meet this revamped roster.
What transpires over the next few weeks is going to be crucial to the Panthers and their chances of being competitive in 2020. They have rid the roster of experienced figures and team legends. This has left them with young, hungry talent that might be lacking experience, but they can counter this positively this with athleticism and speed.
It hasn’t been the easiest of offseason periods for Rhule after he agreed to make the step up to the NFL from Baylor. He has only met around 20 of the roster by his own admission. And this is mainly down to the fact that the head coach worked with a large majority of them in college.
Little is expected of the Panthers in 2020. But that doesn’t mean they are exempt from pressure. The organization will need to become an attractive destination for big-name free agents with more salary cap money at their disposal in 2021. And there is plenty of the roster fighting for their own futures.
With things still up in the air regarding preseason plans due to the current climate. It is essential that each individual on the roster makes the most out of every season. And here are four players that will be worth keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 1: Teddy Bridgewater (QB)
All eyes will be on Teddy Bridgewater when he finally gets to the field during training camp. The quarterback is the new man under center for the Carolina Panthers. And the next few weeks are going to be crucial if the player wants to make the most out of another starting opportunity.
Bridgewater will have a short timeframe to develop chemistry with his talented wide receiver group before their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. His relationship with center Matt Paradis is another key element to keep an eye on during this period of transition.
The Panthers shifted the landscape of the organization when they gave Bridgewater a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed. This also resulted in the release of iconic signal-caller Cam Newton. And playing in the 2015 NFL MVP’s shadow is yet another challenge awaiting the former first-round pick next season.
His previous relationship with Carolina’s new offensive coordinator Joe Brady is something that will stand Bridgewater in good stead. Every player on the roster should be up to speed from a theoretical perspective thanks to virtual OTAs. But watching how this offense responds to their new quarterback is going to be something to keep a close eye on in the coming weeks.
Few would argue that Bridgewater is not deserving of such an opportunity. He has been to hell and back in order to make another starting spot his own. But the hard work is just beginning.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Tahir Whitehead (LB)
The Carolina Panthers lost the services of Luke Kuechly to a bombshell retirement this offseason. This is set to leave a tremendous void on the field and within the locker room. So others will need to take a step up and take on this responsibility.
Tahir Whitehead is the man who has been tasked with playing in the wake of Kuechly at middle linebacker. The experienced figure has worked with Matt Rhule before during their time at Temple. And there is every chance he can be a nice plug and play starter if his previous two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders are any indication.
Replacing someone like Kuechly is going to be almost impossible. He was the beating heart of the Panthers’ defense. And his presence as a team leader was evident almost from the moment that he took the field.
Watching how Whitehead integrates himself in Carolina is going to be something well worth keeping an eye on during training camp. The player has a good reputation across the league. And he will be one of the more experienced figures set to start for Phil Snow’s defense in 2020.
This is a challenge that Whitehead should relish. Coming out of the blocks flying and commanding the respect of his teammates by being vocal and communicating well on the field is something that will do the team’s chances a tremendous amount of good.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Pharoh Cooper (WR)
The Carolina Panthers look loaded at the wide receiver position heading into training camp. There is plenty of competition for places with the top-three cemented as the team’s starting options. So who can make an impression in a short space of time might end up filling the No. 4 wideout spot.
One of the more intriguing free-agent signings this offseason was Pharoh Cooper. The do-it-all receiver enjoyed a fine campaign last time out with the Arizona Cardinals. And although his acquisition might have gone somewhat under the radar, it could be a masterstroke from Carolina’s decision-makers.
Cooper is an electrifying threat with the ball in his hands. He can line up in the slot, on the outside, or even as a running back in special situations. Joe Brady has an embarrassment of riches to call upon in 2020. And how he utilizes them could be the difference between success and failure.
The former South Carolina standout hauled in 25 of 33 targets thrown his way last season on his way to 243 yards, one touchdown, and an impressive 70.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. Cooper’s ability to impact the return game is another potential X-factor for the Panthers. And this could make a huge difference to field position throughout the campaign.
Watching how Cooper is used in specific schemes during camp will tell us plenty about what sort of involvement the player is going to see next season. His potential in this scheme is endless. But there are plenty other talented players fighting for targets themselves.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Kawann Short (DT)
Veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short is set to make a full return when training camp gets underway. The Pro Bowler missed almost all of the 2019 season due to a torn rotator cuff. And to say the Carolina Panthers missed him would be a massive understatement.
Having Short back is going to improve the Panthers’ defense considerably. Their defensive front looks to be an area of considerable strength. And this was further boosted by their decision to take Derrick Brown at No. 7 overall.
Slotting the rookie alongside Short has the scope to completely transform Carolina’s run defense. Their ability to command attention should also free up room for the team’s pass-rushing threats to do some damage. And despite the obvious concerns surrounding their secondary. This unit should still be able to pile the pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
There is just no telling what such a serious injury has done to Short’s chances of making the impact that the Panthers are accustomed to. He was playing at a very high level in 2018. But that was a long time ago and the former second-round pick isn’t getting any younger.
How he looks on the field during camp will be key. But Short taking up a mentoring role with Brown is equally as important. If the pair can form a good bond from the word go. Then it could be one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the NFL next season.