Carolina Panthers 53-man roster prediction after 2022 minicamp

How could the Carolina Panthers look across their 53-man roster in 2022 with the team’s mandatory minicamp in the rearview mirror?

The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their mandatory minicamp last week, which is the latest building block before a critical 2022 season for the organization. While many veterans were given coaching roles from the sidelines rather than participating in team drills, younger members of the roster and those looking to force their way into the team’s plans got a solid chance to showcase their skills in front of the primary decision-makers.

This will no doubt give head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer plenty to ponder before the team’s training camp in Spartanburg. There is even a chance that the Panthers bring in additional reinforcements in the coming weeks to further aid their cause.

While this was welcome and part of the Panthers’ new player-driven approach, much more will be needed in camp and especially if further competition comes in across a number of problem position groups in the meantime.

Without further ado, we put together a Panthers 53-man roster projection in 2022 following their mandatory minicamp.

Special Teams

Carolina Panthers special teams

• Zane Gonzalez (K), Johnny Hekker (P), J.J. Jansen (LS), Andre Roberts (KR).

Special teams’ production is something Carolina Panthers have upgraded this offseason. Chris Tabor’s experience and success in a coaching capacity should help enormously and the organization also picked up some notable signings in free agency to help their cause.

All-decade punter Johnny Hekker was signed, All-Pro kick returner Andre Roberts also joined the ranks, and kicker Zane Gonzalez secured a deserved contract extension after a flawless 2021 campaign.

J.J. Jansen is also around and should beat out Thomas Fletcher for long-snapper responsibilities once again. So there is a lot to like about Carolina’s chances in this area of the field.