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.
Carolina Panthers safeties
- Jeremy Chinn, Xavier Woods, Juston Burris, Kenny Robinson, Myles Hartsfield (S/CB).
When one examines the Carolina Panthers from a defensive standpoint, it’s hard not to be impressed by their options throughout the secondary. This is evident at the safety spot, with depth looking much improved and the organization hopefully having a productive starting tandem to rely on throughout the 2022 season.
Jeremy Chinn is obviously the focal point after catching the eye considerably over his first two seasons in the league. He was named as a Pro Bowl alternate last time around after going over 100 tackles once again and more could be on the way in the coming months if further improvements are made under new defensive backs coach Steve Wilks.
Chinn will have a new partner in the form of Xavier Woods, who was signed in free agency from the Minnesota Vikings. The former sixth-round pick is a productive starter who bounced back in fine fashion last season, so anything like the same level of performance is going to help enormously.
Veteran Juston Burris was brought back as a rotational piece and hopes remain high for Kenny Robinson after some serious strides were made last season. Myles Hartsfield should also get a roster spot as a cornerback/safety hybrid for defensive coordinator Phil Snow to call upon.
Among those missing out in this scenario are Sean Chandler and Sam Franklin, who didn’t do enough to convince anybody they were capable in 2021.
Carolina Panthers cornerbacks
- Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, C.J. Henderson, Keith Taylor Jr., Chris Westry, Kalon Barnes.
Although the Carolina Panthers will be without the services of Stephon Gilmore in 2022, there is still enough talent within the cornerback room for this unit to more than hold their own. Donte Jackson re-signing on a three-year deal worth $31.5 million kept some semblance of continuity and he’ll be tasked with leading this group on and off the field next season.
Another element that cannot be overlooked is a return to full health for Jaycee Horn. The former first-round pick is looking to stamp his mark as a shutdown presence after missing 14 games as a rookie thanks to a broken foot, which is something he looks more than capable of based on a small sample size during the previous campaign.
C.J. Henderson has drawn rave reviews for his production during offseason workouts so far. It was a slow burn for the Florida product following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, but Steve Wilks is clearly having the right effect on a player that has an exceptional amount of athletic attributes to call upon.
Second-year-pro Keith Taylor Jr. is another who shone over the early preparation period. This could indicate that more is on the way after the 2021 fifth-round pick flashed over his first season in a professional environment.
Chris Westry has some unique length and physicality that offers something a little different. We’ve spoken previously about Myles Hartsfield’s versatility to play corner if required and seventh-rounder Kalon Barnes will be a speedy special teams presence while getting other areas of his game up to speed.
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.
Carolina Panthers’ defensive line
- Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Matt Ioannidis, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes, Amare Barno, Phil Hoskins, Bravvion Roy, Daviyon Nixon.
Much like the situation at the linebacker spot, it would be a surprise if the Carolina Panthers held firm regarding their defensive line options in the coming weeks. Carlos Dunlap recently visited the organization but left without a deal, which means the team is still looking to find some extra pass-rushers that can make a difference straight away.
As stated previously, there will be no Haason Reddick causing havoc this year after he left for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. This puts the onus squarely on Brian Burns to increase his dominance and enter the elite discussion along the way.
Burns is capable of this, but he’ll need assistance from elsewhere. That might come from Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes, who stand to benefit most from Reddick’s departure and the Panthers releasing Morgan Fox with one year remaining on his deal.
This is also a big campaign for defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who’ll have a third partner in as many seasons after the Panthers acquired Matt Ioannidis following his release from the Washington Commanders. However, the Auburn product has to raise his game to a Pro Bowl level in 2022 for this defensive front to thrive.
Phil Hoskins, Bravvion Roy, and Daviyon Nixon should get reps if they progress as expected this summer. Amare Barno is a development project with high upside after Carolina selected him in the sixth round earlier this year.
Carolina Panthers’ offensive line
- Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Bradley Bozeman, Austin Corbett, Taylor Moton, Pat Elflein, Cam Erving, Cade Mays, Deonte Brown.
After another pathetic season from the offensive line, it was a busy offseason period that consisted of significantly strengthening this area of the field. The Carolina Panthers got their hands on three guaranteed starters, which could see this unit become one of the league’s most improved if everything clicks into place.
Ikem Ekwonu is the franchise left tackle fans have been craving since Jordan Gross retired. There will be some bumps in the road initially, but the Panthers must remain patient and provide the North Carolina State product with the best possible chance to succeed.
Carolina’s interior should also be night and day from last season. Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman joined in free agency and Brady Christensen could become the long-term left guard despite seeing plenty of blindside work over the offseason so far.
One thing the Panthers haven’t had to worry about is Taylor Moton, who remains a consistent force at right tackle and someone that could even raise his contribution further with better options around him.
These moves have rightfully relegated Cam Erving and Pat Elflein to backup roles, which is where they are best suited. Cade Mays’ versatility could come in handy if injury strikes and a chance is also taken on Deonte Brown to finally start fulfilling his clear promise.
Carolina Panthers tight ends
- Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble.
Perhaps one of the more bemusing elements of the offseason was the Carolina Panthers doing nothing to strengthen its tight-end options. Ian Thomas was handed a three-year extension after offering almost little to the passing game since Greg Olsen retired and although Tommy Tremble did flash as a rookie, it remains to be seen whether further growth can come from the player in 2022.
Carolina’s new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo clearly feels like he can bring the best out of both players. His scheme is heavily dependent on tight ends making plays across the middle and in the red zone, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Thomas or Tremble can rise to the occasion.
The Panthers also have Stephen Sullivan and Colin Thompson as potential options. But neither featured much last time around and unless substantial improvements are made, this will once again be the case in 2022.
This is a huge confidence boost for both Thomas and Tremble. But if the Panthers don’t like what they see early on, it could see another option come into the fold.
Thomas has the physical tools and is already a very capable blocker. The same applies to Tremble, who could even take over fullback duties and free up another roster spot at the expense of Giovanni Ricci.
However, that is not enough to play tight end in the modern-day NFL. So they have to increase productivity in the passing game next season or the Panthers will likely find someone who can.
Carolina Panthers wide receivers
- D.J. Moore, Robbie Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr., Rashard Higgins, Shi Smith, Brandon Zylstra, C.J. Saunders.
It was hard not to be extremely disappointed by the wide receivers not named D.J. Moore in 2021. Not having any consistency at the quarterback position didn’t help matters, but things have to get better for most on the depth chart next season or there will be some real concerns about their future with the franchise.
The Carolina Panthers don’t have any such worries regarding Moore, who once again went over 1,000 receiving yards despite the constant uncertainty under center. Those in power paid the former first-round pick handsomely this offseason and if they finally get things right with their chosen signal-caller, the Maryland product could be the biggest beneficiary.
After plenty of speculation surrounding his future and even a tweet contemplating retirement, Robbie Anderson is back with a new number and hopefully, a renewed sense of determination to get back to the form of old. If he can’t, then this is likely to be his final season in Carolina.
The same applies to Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith to a lesser extent. Both failed to produce the goods as rookies, so the jury is still out as to whether they can carve out productive careers for themselves at the next level.
Rashard Higgins’ arrival in free agency comes with intrigue. The Panthers should also save room for Brandon Zylstra after he became one of their most dependable targets in 2021.
Given his versatility and ability to contribute on special teams, a chance is also taken on C.J. Saunders, who is well-liked by the coaching staff and offers something a little different.
Carolina Panthers running backs
- Christian McCaffrey, D’Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard.
The Carolina Panthers’ hopes next season remain dependent on Christian McCaffrey remaining healthy for an entire campaign. Something that will make or break the team despite those in power looking to reduce their reliance on the All-Pro moving forward.
McCaffrey is the league’s best dual-threat running back when healthy. But that is not guaranteed anymore after the former first-round pick turned out just seven times last season – taking his tally to 10 contests in two years.
The Panthers must do everything they can to keep their best weapon on the field. An improved offensive line should help, with the signing of D’Onta Foreman in free agency something else that could ease the burden in between the tackles.
Foreman filled in tremendously for Derrick Henry on the Tennessee Titans last season and should become the team’s primary backup ahead of Chuba Hubbard, who showed some promise as a rookie even if there are some areas of his game such as pass blocking and contact balance that need substantial refinement.
If McCaffrey stays fit and Ben McAdoo comes up with the right game plan to maximize his production with fewer touches, the Panthers might be onto something. But any further complications on the health front will come with grave consequences.
Carolina Panthers quarterbacks
- Sam Darnold, Matt Corral.
As head coach Matt Rhule stated following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp, if the season started today the Carolina Panthers would move forward with Sam Darnold as their starter.
The problem is, the season doesn’t begin for some time.
Darnold was reportedly impressive during offseason workouts. But there is enough bad production in a game-day setting to suggest that the signal-caller cannot be counted upon when push comes to shove.
The Panthers brought in Matt Corral after moving up to acquire the former Ole Miss standout at No. 94 overall. However, expecting him to start right out of the gate is unrealistic and especially considering how much Carolina has at stake next season.
So where does that leave the Panthers?
Either they stand pat with Darnold and Corral, bring back Cam Newton, or look to the trade market for someone like Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield.
Newton’s return seems unlikely, one suspects. Carolina is still doing its due diligence on Mayfield and Garoppolo would probably become more enticing if the signal-caller is released by the San Francisco 49ers.
The quarterback position has the scope to hold Carolina back from genuine progress once again. That’s why another roll of the dice via trade is the most likely scenario right now.