5 Panthers position groups that might be better than expected in 2021

Which position groups on the Carolina Panthers might end up being better than expected during the 2021 season?

With the Carolina Panthers forming a large part of their 53-man roster this week, attention now turns to just how well the team is going to get on with the options available. There is certainly a lot of talent on both sides of the football for the coaching staff to utilize, although things are still hanging by a thread when it comes to progression in 2021.

General manager Scott Fitterer has been incredibly active this offseason. His latest moves saw offensive lineman Michael Jordan claimed off waivers at the expense of wide receiver David Moore, a free-agent signing from the Seattle Seahawks that was removed from the equation without playing a competitive down.

Of course, the Panthers do have some concerns. If these preseason fears turn out to be correct, then it might be another long season for Carolina.

However, there is also hope. Here are five positional groups that might perform better than expected in 2021.

Position No. 1

Carolina Panthers K

Now that Joey Slye is no longer with the organization, the task falls on Ryan Santoso to improve Carolina’s kicking fortunes. That is, of course, if the Panthers don’t make another move between now and when they take the field against the New York Jets.

Santoso was acquired via trade from the New York Giants after a strong offseason. Something the Panthers hope will continue into 2021 after he won the battle with Slye pretty easily in the preseason finale.

Carolina has the weapons to get better in the red zone. This should take some heat of Santoso, but he’ll still need to produce the goods when called upon.

What comes next is down to Santoso. But he’s off to a good start.