7 key position battles to watch at Panthers training camp in 2021
By Dean Jones
What key position battles are worth monitoring closely when the Carolina Panthers head to Wofford College for training camp in 2021?
The time for speculation is almost over as the Carolina Panthers get set for 2021 training camp ahead of the new season. This is the first time many players and coaches will experience the humid temperatures of Wofford College in Spartanburg, which is sure to be a stern test of their credentials before Week 1 against the New York Jets.
One could argue this is the most intriguing camp in recent memory where the Panthers are concerned. It’s been an eventful offseason of player recruitment with Scott Fitterer as general manager, but we won’t know for sure how things will pan out until they get the pads on during drills, scrimmages, and preseason games.
Some spots on the roster are locked in. Others will be decided in the coming weeks and the coaching staff has shown that performance matters far more than reputation since Matt Rhule became head coach.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at seven key position battles you won’t want to miss at Panthers training camp in 2021.
Position Battle No. 1
Carolina Panthers LS
- J.J. Jansen vs. Thomas Fletcher
The Panthers didn’t draft Thomas Fletcher in the sixth round for him to become a practice squad player. In truth, he wouldn’t even make it that far before another team brought him on board.
This means the Alabama product is the firm favorite to come out on top in his position battle with J.J. Jansen, who is Carolina’s longest-serving player and still performed to a relatively high level in 2020.
The NFL waits for no man and father time is undefeated. Jansen faces a significant fight to keep his No. 1 status on the depth chart and although long-snapper isn’t the most important position on the field by any stretch, this will be something to monitor closely at training camp.