Dynamic players aplenty in Panthers 53-man roster prediction post-draft
By David Giroux
Carolina Panthers QBs
- QB: Sam Darnold, PJ Walker, Will Grier
After this past weekend’s NFL draft, the plan is clear. Teddy Bridgewater is gone, and there was no quarterback taken.
Sam Darnold is the unquestioned starting signal-caller for the Carolina Panthers. With money on the books for two years, and no competition on the horizon, the former USC star will be the clear No. 1 when training camp comes later this summer.
Darnold should have a much better opportunity to succeed then he did with the New York Jets. This is due to a better and more innovative coaching staff, outstanding weapons, and what should hopefully be a prominent offensive line.
However, there is not much behind him.
The talented P.J. Walker showed flashes during his spot start in Detroit last year and is a Matt Rhule favourite. He will battle with the unimpressive 2019 third-round pick Will Grier for the backup spot. Tommy Stevens is also on the roster and could fight for a place based on his impressive rushing ability.
Carolina Panthers RBs and FBs
- RB: Christian McCaffrey, Chuba Hubbard, Rodney Smith, Trenton Cannon
- FB: Tommy Tremble
Based on last year’s depth chart, Rhule and Joe Brady would like to keep four running backs on the active roster if possible. Christian McCaffrey is locked in at the No. 1 spot and will look to regain his MVP form from two years ago to elevate this year’s Panthers offense.
Chuba Hubbard, the 2021 fourth-round pick was in the Heisman Trophy discussion in 2019 before a down year in 2020 and will look to contribute from Day 1 behind McCaffrey with his home run hitting ability from the backfield.
Along with 2020 UDFA surprise Rodney Smith and potentially another veteran addition, the battle for RB2 will be interesting come August. Behind them Trenton Cannon could make the roster over someone like Reggie Bonnafon due to his ability on special teams and in the return game.
At this point its unclear if Brady and Rhule want to have a fullback on the roster. It will most likely be Tommy Tremble, this year’s third-round pick who will contribute immediately as an elite blocker at tight end, H-back, and fullback positions.