4 Carolina Panthers who need to step it up at training camp

Joseph Charlton – P

Another under increasing pressure at training camp is Joseph Charlton. The punter has been much-improved over the last few days. But his less than stellar over the last few weeks have forced the Carolina Panthers to bring in some extra competition at the position.

The organization picked up Kaare Vedvik off the waiver wire following his release by the Buffalo Bills this week. He was previously acquired by the Minnesota Vikings from the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick. But he was cut before even playing a competitive snap during the 2019 preseason.

It remains to be seen whether Vedvik will do enough to surpass Charlton on the depth chart. But it will increase urgency in their current starting option, at the very least.

We have already seen Charlton starting to trend on an upward curve since Vedvik’s arrival. Whether complacency became an issue for the player with no real competition for his spot is up for debate. That will not be the case over the coming days or weeks, and his consistency will be under the microscope for as long as the new arrival is around.

This might be an inspired move by Carolina’s decision-makers. There is an increased tempo throughout the first camp under Matt Rhule. And the kicking unit does not to be exempt from their ruthless conviction when building a roster good enough to be competitive in 2020.