The Carolina Panthers gained valuable intel on many of their players battling for spots on the 53-man roster after their preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If there was any lingering doubt about a handful of these players, Friday night put most of it to rest with strong performances that were needed, with one more joint practice and a preseason game against the Houston Texans this week.
Four depth names made their strongest cases for the Panthers' game-day rosters this fall, leaving head coach Dave Canales with difficult decisions ahead.
Carolina Panthers players whose stocks are soaring after preseason over the Jaguars
Chau Smith-Wade, CB
It remains unclear whether Chau Smith-Wade has locked down a spot on the roster, but questions that rose coming into training camp about his long-term status in Carolina have eased.
Smith-Wade was one of the Panthers' best defenders this weekend, playing outside cornerback rather than the nickel role he has held for the last two years.
The 2024 fifth-round pick from Washington State had a diving interception as one of the highlights of the entire Panthers' preseason. While there were ups and downs, the defensive back did enough to make the roster cuts at cornerback difficult.
John Metchie III, WR
The former top college target of Bryce Young made his biggest impact of the summer with the Panthers as the leading receiver of the night with six catches for 77 receiving yards. John Metchie III showcased the natural hands and reliability as a pass-catcher that any quarterback would want for their offense.
With the Panthers expected to keep anywhere from six to seven wideouts on the initial roster, Metchie brings return-game experience and dependability, providing depth to Carolina's passing offense.
A.J. Dillon, RB
A.J. Dillon has had a good preseason for the Panthers' offense. The power and contact balance that Carolina hasn't had since D'Onta Freeman's surprise season in 2022 would be a welcome addition for the running back room. In contrast, Trevor Etienne hasn't been as flashy as some would have hoped.
The biggest issue Dillon faces is the roster math, which, at the end of the day, is out of his control no matter how well he performs next week. Still, he gives the Panthers a short-yardage tailback that could be huge in those moments.
My prediction is that Dillon is initially cut only to sign back onto the practice squad.
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't confident Jimmy Horn Jr. could find a role in the Panthers' offense or special teams unit a month ago. A lot has changed since then, and the wideout has now made himself a likely lock for the 53-man roster.
Horn showcased his speed, quickness, and impressive ball skills against the Jaguars, whether it was on the 39-yard end around, downfield on the vertical route tree, or as a return specialist. He adds an element the Panthers thought they lost for the year with rookie third-rounder Chris Brazzell II.
Now, Horn could become the playmaker fans have been eager to see since being drafted out of Colorado in the sixth round last year.
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