Carolina Panthers 53-man roster prediction after 2022 minicamp

Carolina Panthers linebackers

• Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu, Damien Wilson, Cory Littleton, Brandon Smith, Julian Stanford.

For all the encouraging signings made by the Carolina Panthers this offseason, there are still some grave concerns about the linebacking core heading into the 2022 campaign. Finding an adequate replacement for Luke Kuechly has been an impossible task so far, which left those in power exploring other alternatives after letting Jermaine Carter leave in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Damien Wilson looks set to start depending on what occurs following a concerning offseason arrest. Cory Littleton should also be able to assist in some way after coming on board and the Panthers also traded up into the fourth-round for Brandon Smith – a physically gifted individual who could earn starting reps over time.

Much will depend on the consistency of Shaq Thompson, who has emerged into a prominent leadership role this offseason after discussions with head coach Matt Rhule about how certain things can be improved. His upturn in production last season was a major positive and if this continues, then Carolina might find it difficult to let go of a player who’s set to count more than $24 million against the cap in 2023.

There is plenty of excitement about what Frankie Luvu could potentially do from a starting role. The Washington State production was a revelation last season on the defensive rotation and special teams, but taking that next leap will be crucial with no Haason Reddick to call upon.

A chance is also taken on Julian Stanford thanks in no small part to his outstanding special teams’ production since arriving in Carolina.