4 unproven Panthers players the team might rely on in 2021

Which relatively unproven Carolina Panthers players might the team end up relying on during the 2021 season?

The Carolina Panthers have addressed some key areas well during the offseason period so far. A lot of the dead weight has been removed from the roster and replaced by some exciting free-agent signings, with more potentially on the way thanks to general manager Scott Fitterer’s patient approach to veteran recruitment over the last month.

There is also the mouth-watering prospect of some top talent arriving in Carolina during the 2021 NFL Draft. If the Panthers can have the same sort of success this time around as they did with their 2020 selections, it will give their chances of mounting a postseason push a significant shot in the arm.

Part of any good organization is the progression of current roster members who move from the fringes into more prominent roles. This can sometimes be the difference between success and failure, with Carolina needing some of their rotational pieces to perhaps make a bigger impression next time around to further boost their prospects.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at four Panthers players that the team might need to rely more upon next season.

Player No. 1

Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OL

To say Dennis Daley endured some torrid luck in 2020 would be something of an understatement. The offensive lineman was projected to start at left guard before injury removed this opportunity during the opening stages and despite getting back to full health, he was never able to force himself onto the starting rotation.

The coaching staff doesn’t appear to be giving up on Daley just yet. Carolina did sign Cam Erving and Pat Elflein in free agency, but neither comes with any sort of confidence they can improve things from a protection standpoint after being inconsistent at best over the last couple of seasons.

John Miller was brought back on a one-year deal, which could see him remain as a starter. But there is also a chance Daley is going to be relied upon a little more depending on what new recruits Carolina brings in during the all-important draft weekend.

If things don’t work out for Daley next season, it’s hard to envisage a scenario where his long-term future with the organization is secure.