5 Panthers players who need to become alphas at 2021 training camp
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players need to become alphas during training camp ahead of the 2021 season?
This time of year is always a good opportunity for players across the league to assert their dominance ahead of the 2021 season. A chance to stake a claim of being the alpha within a particular organization.
The Carolina Panthers are not exempt from this. They have an abundance of young talent across their roster – which was further enhanced by some eye-catching recruits during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft to give the team’s chances of further progression a real shot in the arm.
Camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg will be the first strong indicator of what to expect from the Panthers next season. Hopes are high, which is normally the case at this time of year. But much will depend on which players stamp their authority and leave no doubt as to just how important they are to Carolina’s success.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who need to emerge as alphas during training camp in 2021.
Player No. 1
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
The Panthers already have an alpha on their offensive line in stud right tackle Taylor Moton, who got his money just before the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign new deals. However, if this area of the field wants to perform better than expected, then Matt Paradis also needs to shoulder his share of responsibility.
Paradis hasn’t reached the level expected after arriving from the Denver Broncos in free agency. The center did show some improvements in 2020, which he’ll need to build on further heading into the final year of his deal.
The former Boise State standout needs to take command, communicate well, and solidify the interior next season. But getting off to a positive start at training camp is vital for Paradis.