Dynamic players aplenty in Panthers 53-man roster prediction post-draft
By David Giroux
Carolina Panthers STs
- K: Joey Slye
- P: Joe Charlton
- LS: Thomas Fletcher
- R: Shi Smith, David Moore, Trenton Cannon
Scott Fitterer made it a goal of his to bring in competition at every special teams spot. Joey Slye had a good season in 2020 and should be the starting kicker next year. However, he has competition in the form of second-year kicker Matt Ammendola from Oklahoma State which promises to be a fascinating battle during training camp this summer.
After an abysmal 2020 training camp, punter Joe Charlton shocked Carolina Panthers fans with a great season last year and will be the starter. Oscar Draguicevich was picked up on the undrafted free-agent market and will also fight for a spot either on the roster or the practice squad.
The one surprising pick in this year’s draft was sixth-round long snapper Thomas Fletcher. On top of the infamous draft call, he was a highly productive player at Alabama on their way to yet another convincing national championship victory under Nick Saban.
J.J. Jansen is a team legend of course, but with a new younger regime in town one suspects Fletcher is the starting long snapper Week 1.
Next. 4 winners and 3 losers from the Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL Draft. dark
Who is returning kicks is still a bit of a question. But Shi Smith, David Moore, and Trenton Cannon are the favourites right now to fill that hole.