Which Carolina Panthers newcomers could end up becoming surprising contributors during what promises to be a fascinating 2023 season?
After one of the more eventful offseasons in franchise history, the Carolina Panthers are starting to focus more on preparations for the upcoming campaign. General manager Scott Fitterer and his staff have done their bit, so it's now up to head coach Frank Reich to put the necessary foundations in place for a successful season.
Many are quietly fancying the Panthers to become one of the league's dark horses in 2023. The NFC South seems wide open, so if everything clicks throughout the summer, Reich's men might be on the cusp of something special.
Of course, some will be tasked with more responsibilities than others. But for the Panthers to emerge from obscurity and into contention, they'll need some to far exceed expectations along the way.
With that being said, here are four Panthers newcomers that could surprise in 2023.
Shy Tuttle - Carolina Panthers DT
Transitioning to a 3-4 base defense under Ejiro Evero is a fascinating dynamic to monitor before and during the 2023 season. In order for this switch to go smoothly, the defensive front needs a dependable anchor that can allow others around him to flourish.
This task is likely to fall on Shy Tuttle after his switch from the New Orleans Saints in free agency. The formidable presence is set to slot in at the nose tackle position, which is a move that has to go well for the Carolina Panthers to stand any chance of making the playoffs next time around.
There's a lot to like about Tuttle's functional strength and ability to clog up space. If this continues in a different environment, then the Panthers have enough explosive players across their front seven to cause havoc at will.
Jammie Robinson - Carolina Panthers DB
The Carolina Panthers haven't done much to fortify their secondary from a coverage standpoint during the offseason. Vonn Bell's arrival from the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency should be a tremendous asset on the backend, but that doesn't detract from the significant questions surrounding most in the cornerback room based on last season.
Carolina seems happy enough with what they have currently. Although most would severely disagree with this notion from the outside looking in.
Those in power opted to go in different directions early in the 2023 NFL Draft despite the wealth of top-end prospects available over the first two days. However, the Panthers did use their last selection on Jammie Robinson - a fiery defensive back out of Florida State that could stake a claim immediately.
Although listed as a safety, Robinson could make a transition to a nickel cornerback if the team sees fit. Something we've already seen at Carolina's rookie minicamp, where the fifth-rounder caught the eye with outstanding coverage prowess throughout.
If Robinson continues to progress and impress throughout the summer, the Panthers will have no choice other than to throw him at the deep end and see how things unfold. Given the player's competitive edge and overall mindset, it's an opportunity he is sure to grasp with both hands.
D.J. Chark - Carolina Panthers WR
Adding D.J. Moore to the trade package that secured the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft was a necessary evil. One that was the difference between striking a deal and the Chicago Bears looking elsewhere for a partner.
If Bryce Young turns out to be the franchise quarterback this team sorely lacks, then it was the right call. But for the rookie to thrive immediately, he needs help from the primary pass-catchers assembled by the Carolina Panthers this offseason.
Perhaps the most intriguing of these was D.J. Chark. The speedy wideout looked back to his old self with the Detroit Lions last season after a frustrating time with injuries, so it's a risk worth taking and could give the Panthers something a little different when competitive games arrive.
Chark is seen primarily as someone that can stretch the field. However, head coach Frank Reich is keen to expand the player's route tree in pursuit of making him an asset all over the field.
It's a risky move, that's for sure. But if Chark takes on coaching and becomes a more well-rounded weapon, then there's every chance he can emerge into a highly productive performer next season.
D.J. Johnson - Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
There are no prizes for guessing what the most contentious Carolina Panthers draft pick was in 2023. Trading up for D.J. Johnson - a projected Day 3 selection - at No. 80 overall was a head-scratcher to many, especially considering he was in college for six years and is still learning how to play the edge rusher position.
Johnson is a likable character that has the impressive athletic attributes normally associated with Scott Fitterer's draft selections. This pick also got the approval of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who needs to find the right formula opposite Brian Burns to ensure this unit makes strides under his guidance.
While Johnson has the explosiveness and agility to potentially be a force, his initial transition must go well. The likes of Marquis Haynes Sr., Amare Barno, and Yetur Gross-Matos will also fancy their chances of prominent reps, so how things unfold throughout training camp will go a long way to determining the pecking order.
There's nothing to suggest Johnson cannot impose himself. He must become more disciplined against the run and refine his angles in pursuit of opposing quarterbacks, but Carolina's high-caliber coaching staff provides the best possible chance to pick things up quickly.
If Johnson does enough to earn a key rotational piece or better as a rookie, then don't be surprised to see decent-looking numbers follow.