3 players the Carolina Panthers must make room for on their final 2023 roster

Which players must the Carolina Panthers make room for when the time comes to finalize their 53-man roster ahead of Week 1?

If you’re anything like me, you probably have notifications set up on a minimum of about five apps to let you know when an NFL transaction – specifically involving the Carolina Panthers – has been made. Whether it’s a free agent signing or a blockbuster trade, it’s a new face in a new place.

In the NFL off-season, these transactions have my cell phone vibrating more often than one of Jhene Aiko’s meditation singing bowls.

Not every transaction is created equally, of course. Many will fly under the radar and seem insignificant, and then others will immediately grab your attention with a household name and leave a lingering impression.

For franchises around the league, however, each transaction carries its own value. The composition of an NFL roster is a tedious, difficult task to complete for the front office and coaching staff.

The starting units on the depth chart are the glamorous groups. The quarterback position is the most important position in the NFL and the starter is usually the most recognizable player on their team.

Bryce Young fits that bill. After the signal caller, there are star players and fan favorites littered throughout the rest of the roster.

For this article, however, I want to shine the spotlight on a few players that may not be the first names that come to mind for this Panthers team. But they could prove to be impact individuals that carve out a bit of their own real estate in the minds of fans during the 2023 season.

First up…

Marquan McCall - Carolina Panthers NT

An undrafted free agent out of the University of Kentucky in 2022, Marquan McCall has a real opportunity at his doorstep this season. The switch over to new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 base system is one that plays to his strength – literally.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 345 pounds, the former Wildcat is the prototypical nose tackle. Despite donning the No. 55 jersey, he’s not likely to remind you of former Carolina Panthers linebacker and current assistant general manager, Dan Morgan. No, McCall is a mountain of a human and plays with the tenacity of a player that understands his advantage.

In order for the defense to thrive and excel in creating chaos, the front is of utmost importance. As the nose tackle, McCall is asked to occupy multiple blockers and free things up for the second-level defenders.

As we expect a heavy dose of sub-package and nickel personnel – meaning more defensive backs on the field than in conventional formations – it’s imperative to limit how often the opposing linemen can get their mitts on the smaller, but faster, secondary defenders.

McCall is more than just a space-eater that can muddy gaps for running backs and open avenues for pressure to fly through. The second-year player has some twitch of his own.

Many fans will warmly recall the impact that Kris Jenkins had on the Panthers teams he was a part of. His second residence was behind the line of scrimmage.

Not to put that expectation on McCall, but I do believe there’s a physical ability that is fair to conjure up familiar sentiment. The lineman has the traits and work ethic to make a similar disruptive impact on this team.

With the release of depth chart competitor Bravvion Roy, the path is clearing for the young defensive lineman to step into a considerable role this season.

Raheem Blackshear - Carolina Panthers RB

Miles Sanders was one of the biggest additions to the Carolina Panthers roster this off-season - and with good reason. The former Philadelphia Eagle enjoyed the best season of his young career in 2022, finishing with the fifth most rushing yards league-wide en route to a Super Bowl and Pro Bowl appearance.

Sanders will see the lion’s share of the backfield touches so long as he is healthy and available. Chuba Hubbard is penciled in as the second-string option, and he’s looked solid in practices thus far.

However, it’s second-year running back Raheem Blackshear that has caught the attention of many throughout workouts and training camp.

Blackshear saw limited action as an undrafted rookie in 2022 but was still able to produce in that small sample size. He accumulated 23 carries for 77 rushing yards and three touchdowns, also adding 10 receptions for 93 receiving yards.

Where Blackshear also brings considerable value to the table are his contributions to special teams. He fielded both punt and kick-off returns as a rookie and appears to be the frontrunner for those duties again in 2023, especially with the cut of injured Marquez Stevenson.

His best return came on a kick-off, where Blackshear took the ball 66 yards in the Panthers’ favor.

Head coach Frank Reich has a proclivity for getting running backs targeted in the passing game for his offense, as well. That’s an area that I believe the shifty, change-of-pace player can excel in.

Blackshear has exceptionally quick and concise footwork. His movements as a route runner are fluid and he can change speeds suddenly, often creating the necessary separation to be an appealing target for his quarterback.

While he amassed just 410 carries over his collegiate career at Rutgers and then Virginia Tech, he caught 123 passes and 7 touchdowns. Playing the pass-catching role from the backfield is one that Blackshear clearly feels comfortable operating.

Keith Taylor Jr. - Carolina Panthers CB

This one will likely draw a bevy of sighs from most readers. I get it – Keith Taylor Jr. had some seriously disappointing showings last season.

But follow my reasoning and let’s explore my madness with an open mind… deal?

The former Washington Husky standout is just 24 years old. He’s embarking upon his third season as an NFL player, but it's his first with an NFL coaching staff.

Taylor seems to have relied strictly on his physical abilities up to this point in the league. When he’s found himself in trouble, it often stems from the cornerback's tenancy to drift out of position and/or being behind from a diagnosing standpoint.

For the defense that the Carolina Panthers coaching staff is purposely putting together, the 6-foot-3 boundary corner is what I consider a necessary luxury. It’s not that he’s the make-it-or-break-it piece of this puzzle. But the assurance that he could provide to a unit that is desperately needing solidifying depth, is almost invaluable.

This team doesn’t need Taylor to start opposite Jaycee Horn at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. The Panthers need him to specifically develop and turn that proverbial corner so that if and when his number is called, the 2021 fifth-round selection is confidently prepared to step in.

C.J. Henderson came up with a groin tweak in practice on Monday. Donte Jackson is coming off of a serious Achilles injury last season. By all accounts, he’s fully recovered and has looked terrific, for what it’s worth. Horn unfortunately has not put together a full season yet, either.

Taylor will have opportunities. Ejiro Evero will deploy formations that require five, sometimes even six, defensive backs on the field at the same time.

I watched Taylor in 1-on-1 drills last Saturday, where he demonstrated the mirroring abilities you look for in an outside cornerback. He had a highlight interception of rookie Bryce Young in practice on Tuesday morning, making a beautiful toe tap to complete the play.

Encouraging signs are there. Taylor’s got every tool you want in the toolbox and now he’s got elite coaching at his disposal.

It's sink-or-swim time for Taylor. But this young man has figured out how to swim at every stop along the way thus far.