Which members of the Carolina Panthers have the ability to stand out during training camp this year?
The Carolina Panthers are about to embark on one of the most important training camps in their history. Substantial changes were made across the franchise during the offseason. And their task now will be to rebuild in the hope of becoming a contender once again.
This is an unprecedented period due to the current climate. Camp will look far different for the Panthers in 2020. And how much they come together is going to be vital with no preseason games on the schedule.
New head coach Matt Rhule has been severely disrupted in terms of preparation. He admitted to only meeting around 20 of the 90-man roster. And this leaves plenty of uncertainty surrounding their immediate fortunes as the former Baylor man gets set to lead an NFL team for the first time.
The coaching staff should have everyone up to speed from a scheme perspective thanks to virtual OTAs. But the onus will ultimately be on the players to make the sort of impression needed to swing momentum in their favor.
Plenty of places appear to be up for grabs heading into camp. This includes some starting jobs and prominent rotational roles. So it will be interesting to see just which individuals make the most out of the opportunity.
The next few weeks will be a strong indicator for Rhule regarding the roster he has at his disposal. Here are four Panthers that could stand out when they take the field.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 1; Marquis Haynes (DE)
There is a lot to like about the sort of skills that Marquis Haynes brings to the table. The defensive end might have had his troubles staying healthy. But he has plenty of outstanding athletic traits that should impress the new coaching staff.
The former fourth-round pick enters training camp looking for extended minutes on a defensive front that appears loaded with players who can make a difference. Haynes is entering the penultimate year of his rookie deal. So this is the time for him to stand up and be counted in pursuit of a longer-term commitment.
Haynes has reportedly added some bulk during the offseason. This will help his cause not only on the field. But it might also see an improvement in his ability to take the punishment normally associated with the position.
The player is working off a clean slate heading into camp. Each individual on the roster will be looking to make a statement with new head coach Matt Rhule watching on. And with no preseason games to call upon, what strides Haynes makes during every session is going to go a long way to determining just what sort of role he is going to have on defense.
Haynes was on the field for only 19 percent of the Panthers’ defensive snaps in 2019. This is something that could improve considerably with a strong showing at training camp.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Jordan Scarlett (RB)
The running back depth chart behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey promises to be one of the more intriguing battles to watch during training camp. There appear to be four players vying for the No. 2 role. And the sort of impression they make in the coming weeks will ultimately cement their place on the depth chart.
One of the players to keep a close eye on is Jordan Scarlett. The former Florida standout arrived with the Carolina Panthers as a fifth-round pick in 2019 after gaining 1,846 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns during a three-year spell with the Gators. But he was used sparingly during his rookie campaign by the previous regime.
Scarlett was superb at finding the right gaps in college. And he played with an experience beyond his years. However, there is very little to go off in terms of NFL production. So he will be fighting for his future in Carolina during camp.
There is nothing to suggest that Scarlett cannot make a big impression. He is more than capable of impacting the game in running or passing situations. But his yards-per-carry average of 2.3 during from just four touches means the jury is still out regarding his future.
Reggie Bonnafon is the favorite to secure the No. 2 position behind McCaffrey after standing out considerably during his time on the field last season. Mike Davis’ $3 million in base salary could make him a prime candidate for release. And undrafted free-agent Rodney Smith is another that has it all to do.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Greg Little (OT)
Big things were expected of Greg Little when the Carolina Panthers selected the offensive tackle in the second round last year. The former Mississippi star endured a baptism of fire during his time on the field in 2019. And he is a player that will need to make significant improvements in the coming weeks.
The Panthers didn’t feel Little was ready to fill in as a starter next season. This led to the bold move of acquiring veteran left tackle Russell Okung from the Los Angeles Chargers, which sent perennial Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner in the other direction.
This is something that might do Little’s long-term aspirations a significant amount of good. Learning from a Super Bowl winner such as Okung is going to be an invaluable learning tool for the player to call upon next season. And this could possibly set him up to fill a role on the edge of the organization decides to move on from someone that is making $13 million in 2020.
Little will need to stand out during training camp in no uncertain terms. Carolina is projected to have another high-end draft pick in 2021. And if the likes of quarterback duo Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence are off the board by the time they are on the lock, it might force their hand and take someone with elite protection potential at the next level such as Oregon’s Penei Sewell.
This would be nothing short of a disaster for Little, especially if the Panthers manage to agree to a long-term extension with the outstanding Taylor Moton.
Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: T.J. Green (S)
This could finally be the year that T.J. Green starts living up to his billing. The former second-round pick has flattered to deceive for the most part during his career. And he will need to show the new coaching staff with the Carolina Panthers he is worthy of a more prominent role during training camp.
Green showed brief glimpses of promise with the Indianapolis Colts before he was released after two seasons. This was followed by a brief stint at the New Orleans Saints in 2018.
The Panthers have him another chance to showcase his talent when he signed a two-year, $1.38 million contract in 2019. But he saw the field for just 0.9 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps on his way to a 28.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The player is versatile enough to play cornerback or safety. But the introduction of draft picks Jeremy Chinn and Kenny Robinson, together with the free-agent acquisition of Juston Burris, has plunged his aspirations into doubt.
Green is extremely gifted athletically. But his naïve decision-making in crucial situations has cost him during his career so far. Having such competition for places should increase urgency. And it could even lead to a standout showing from the player during camp.
It is clear that Green is in danger of being labeled a bust at this stage. He came into the NFL as a second-round pick out of Clemson. And it is vital he starts producing the goods at the earliest possible opportunity.