The Carolina Panthers had some difficult decisions to make during the final-cut process. General manager Dan Morgan masterfully maneuvered, playing it perfectly to form his 53-man roster and practice squad.
There were a few surprises along the way, and the Panthers are still dealing with some injury concerns. At the same time, this roster looks competitive, so it would be a big disappointment if a bold bid to defend their NFC South title wasn't made.
To achieve this objective, it must be a collective effort. Everyone must play their part, however big or small. And those who got a somewhat surprising place on the squad have to repay this faith.
Here are four Panthers players who fit into this category with Week 1 against the Chicago Bears on the immediate horizon.
Carolina Panthers players who must justify Dan Morgan's surprising show of faith
Akayleb Evans, CB
The Panthers had a couple of conundrums in their cornerback room that needed to be figured out. There was a numbers game lower down the depth chart, and for Akayleb Evans, his perceived high-end special teams value proved to be his saving grace.
Evans got a reprieve, while once-promising undrafted free agent Corey Thornton was waived before being brought back onto the practice squad. It was perhaps surprising to some, but the former Missouri standout must now repay Carolina's vote of confidence by becoming a major special-teams force.
John Metchie III, WR
The wide receiver numbers game was a big talking point all offseason. Carolina wasn't going to keep everybody happy, but a chance was taken on John Metchie III's previous college connection with quarterback Bryce Young becoming something more.
Metchie had a decent summer, but his fortunes were still hanging precariously. The Panthers had seen enough, removing both David Moore and Ja'seem Reed before signing them to the practice squad.
This was a massive positive for Metchie. But carving out a role for himself on the offensive rotation is the next challenge.
Claudin Cherelus, LB
The Panthers ran a summer competition for the LB2 spot between Claudin Cherelus and 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace. Neither did enough to separate themselves, which prompted Morgan to sign Bobby Okereke to a one-year deal instead.
One could have forgiven Cherelus for feeling a little anxious about his roster spot. However, the Panthers decided to end their experiment with Wallace instead.
Again, special-teams value mattered. Cherelus brought more than Wallace in this discipline, so he must show exactly that when the regular season arrives.
A.J. Dillon, RB
The Panthers' decision to sign running back A.J. Dillon this offseason went under the radar. His career trajectory last season didn't inspire much confidence, but it didn't take long for the veteran to force his way into the team's plans.
Dillon earned his spot; there is no getting away from that. He'd probably still be on the team even if Trevor Etienne hadn't gone to injured reserve. And with the projected starting duo of Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks both dealing with slight injuries, he may be counted upon more than expected.
And he must come through with the goods.
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