4 position battles to watch during Panthers OTAs in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers WRs
Much like the offensive line, two men are guaranteed to start at wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers after both enjoyed standout seasons in 2020. D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson both went over 1,000 yards to emerge as one of the league’s more dynamic duos and there could be more to come if Sam Darnold hits the ground running following his big move.
However, who else generates substantial targets in the passing game is up for debate.
The Panthers lost Curtis Samuel to the Washington Football Team in free agency, which was expected in the current financial climate and after the team allocated the franchise tag for Taylor Moton.
Carolina made plenty of moves to compensate for this loss during the offseason, with David Moore arriving from the Seattle Seahawks in free agency and an intriguing couple of draft picks entering the fold in the form of Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith.
Marshall had a first-round grade but fell to No. 59 due to injury concerns. Smith could be a potential sixth-round steal that can assist on special teams during his early transition, so the competition is sure to be fierce when players take the field.
Veterans such as Brandon Zylstra, Ventell Bryant, Keith Kirkwood, Marken Michel, Ishmael Hyman will be aiming to stake their claim. Omar Bayless – who was one of the stars of training camp before suffering a season-ending knee injury – is now back to full health and is another that might surprise once again.