Which Carolina Panthers players could emerge as nice surprises during Dave Canales' first season as head coach in 2024?
It didn't take long for Dan Morgan to ring the changes. The new general manager was part of the team's failings over the last three years and wanted to change the narrative surrounding his promotion quickly. It's only early and nobody is getting carried away, but the front-office leader is off to a promising start.
The Carolina Panthers have a clear, concise plan in place. They are working on immediate improvements without jeopardizing their future financial flexibility. With a strong draft, there's every chance Carolina could be more competitive next season at the very least.
This needs to be a collective effort. The new arrivals must mesh quickly. Dave Canales and his coaching staff need to implement their ideas effectively and get everyone on the same page. Those who underachieved last season have to dig deep and strive with everything they have to improve their fortunes.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players who could be nice surprises in 2024.
Tommy Tremble - Carolina Panthers TE
It seems like the Carolina Panthers are going to give Tommy Tremble every chance to become a genuine No. 1 option at the tight-end position in 2024. That could change depending on whether those in power bring in another gifted option from the college ranks, but Dave Canales and Dan Morgan both hyped up the former third-round selection during their media availability at the NFL owners' meetings.
Tremble's athleticism is something Canales can put to better use. It's a trip into the proverbial unknown for all involved considering his lack of involvement in the passing game over the last three years. But with Hayden Hurst no longer around, don't be surprised if he puts together a much-improved campaign in a contract year.
Jonathan Mingo - Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers are moving heaven and earth to make Bryce Young's life easier this offseason. Their offensive line looks a lot stronger thanks to the additions of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Diontae Johnson arriving via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers also comes with a large amount of intrigue attached.
More reinforcements will be sought for the wide receiver room from an exceptionally deep draft class. This raises the stakes for Jonathan Mingo to make significant improvements in Year 2 of his professional career.
Mingo came into the Panthers highly recommended. Steve Smith Sr. urged team owner David Tepper to pull rank and select the former Ole Miss standout. This sentiment was also echoed by Young, who was filmed talking with previous head coach Frank Reich about his desire to work alongside the physically imposing receiver.
It was a baptism of fire for Mingo in Year 1 of his professional career. The bland schematic concepts didn't help, but the wideout's inability to create separation consistently raised a few red flags during a campaign to forget.
With a more progressive mind in Dave Canales running the show and extra competition across the wide receiver depth chart, hopes are high that Mingo can bounce back. However, the Panthers are right to make contingency plans in the event he cannot meet raised expectations.
Austin Corbett - Carolina Panthers C
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers made revamping their offensive line a top priority once the recruitment period began. Bryce Young was one of the league's most sacked quarterbacks for a reason. Injuries didn't help, but something drastic was needed to ensure the quarterback got a fighting chance.
The additions of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis should fortify the guard positions. These acquisitions also mean a role change for Austin Corbett, who is projected to be the team's starting center after Bradley Bozeman became surplus to requirements.
This is a gamble, there's no getting away from that. Corbett doesn't have a lot of experience as an offensive line anchor and primary pre-snap communicator. The former second-round pick spent the majority of his time in the NFL at the right guard spot. So there is a substantial amount of hard work ahead in the coming months.
Corbett has the talent to cope well with this transition. However, it's also worth remembering that the Nevada college product is coming off two serious knee injuries in consecutive seasons.
There are red flags that cannot sway the Panthers from selecting a long-term center if the situation presents itself during the 2024 NFL Draft. That said, this could also be the spark that ignites Carolina's protection into a cohesive unit at long last.
Miles Sanders - Carolina Panthers RB
Miles Sanders' first season with the Carolina Panthers was an unmitigated disaster. The running back dealt with injury issues and seemed to lack the explosiveness that became prevalent throughout his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022. Many thought he would be one and done. Had it not been for his contract, those in power might have moved on.
Thanks to the incompetence of Samir Suleiman and Scott Fitterer, the Panthers are giving Sanders another shot. He was paid a $2 million roster bonus earlier this month, which suggests that Dave Canales sees something in the former second-round pick.
Sanders has a fresh chip on his shoulder and increased doubters to silence next season. Chuba Hubbard looks like the No. 1 backfield option, but if anyone can help the player return to something like his old form, it's Carolina's new head coach.
Canales has made no secret of his desire to run the football with stubborn effectiveness. Asking Hubbard to accumulate 30 touches per game is a stretch. Therefore, moving forward with a committee approach could be the best way to keep everyone fresh. Sanders has a role to play, although the prospect of adding someone else during the draft cannot be dismissed either.
To say this is a make-or-break campaign for Sanders would be an understatement. But with extra motivation and added urgency, the Penn State product might end up surprising a few en route to better fortunes in 2024.