Which Carolina Panthers players are already tumbling down the depth chart over the first week of training camp in 2023?
The pads are finally popping at training camp and the Carolina Panthers are now fully up to speed with the demands of Frank Reich's coaching staff. It's not been perfect up to now - nor should it be with weeks left until the 2023 season - but there is growing momentum around the building that great things could be in their immediate future.
Everything has to go according to plan and injuries must be kept to a minimum - especially at positions with problematic depth attached. The Panthers have an opportunity to seize control of the NFC South given the division's current flux, but the foundations must be right before they head into competitive combat.
Of course, training camp is a great measuring stick for what could be ahead when the regular season arrives. It's also a time for players to rise and fall depending on their performance levels.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players already tumbling down the depth chart at this year's training camp.
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
With Hayden Hurst, Tommy Tremble, and even Stephen Sullivan flashing moments of quality throughout training camp so far, Ian Thomas' spot is increasingly precarious. That might not be an opinion shared by Frank Reich and his staff, but it's something to keep a close eye on nonetheless.
Thomas cannot be trusted to factor in the passing game. That's why the Carolina Panthers drafted Tommy Tremble in 2021 and why they signed Hurst from the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Nothing has changed.
While the former fourth-round selection's blocking prowess remains an asset, that won't wash for much longer if Tremble continues to impress. A roster spot is likely considering Thomas took a pay cut to stick around this spring, but how much involvement he receives is the big question.
Brandon Smith - Carolina Panthers LB
Brandon Smith's spot was in doubt long before training camp began. The 2022 fourth-round selection flashed on the defensive rotation and special teams late over his rookie campaign, but the linebacker had to impress a new set of coaching eyes with no emotional attachment to him whatsoever.
Smith hasn't performed badly at training camp so far according to those in attendance. He's come up with an interception and looked explosive, but the moves made by the Carolina Panthers suggest those in power aren't viewing his overall prospects in a positive light.
First, it's evident from the first week of practice that Kamu Grugier-Hill has a role to play. The veteran free-agent signing was signed primarily for his special teams' production but has made his presence felt on the defensive rotation, leading Shaq Thompson to call for Carolina's staff to make room for his teammate.
If that wasn't bad enough, the Panthers signed Deion Jones immediately following his workout on Monday. The one-time Pro Bowler has some impressive traits that could also assist, which puts Smith firmly on the bubble until further notice.
Cutting ties with Smith after just one season is a big call to make. However, there is no room for sentiment when it comes to NFL roster building.
If defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero prefers others, the Smith will be traded or released entirely when the time for final cuts arrives.
Amare Barno - Carolina Panthers OLB
Another 2022 NFL Draft pick that finds himself facing an uncertain future is Amare Barno. The Carolina Panthers didn't do much to strengthen their pass-rushing options opposite Brian Burns this spring, but transitioning to a 3-4 base scheme under Ejiro Evero means the sixth-rounder looks lower down the pecking order than ever.
While there haven't been many splash plays from Barno at training camp so far, it's still early in the process. He's getting outperformed by unfancied figures such as Kobe Jones and if the same trend continues, a situation could emerge where those in power deem the Virginia Tech product surplus to requirements.
There is one thing that might be Barno's saving grace - his explosiveness to potentially assist on special teams. According to those in attendance at practice, the player is being used as a gunner to great effect, which could ensure he gets a reprieve when push comes to shove.
One would expect Marquis Haynes Sr., Yetur Gross-Matos, and third-round selection D.J. Johnson to make the team. Carolina could also slot in Jones if he continues to perform at a high level and there is also the option of utilizing Frankie Luvu on the edge when the situation dictates.
This could legitimately go either way for Barno and will take a huge effort from the player in the coming weeks. How he gets on during the preseason will also play a significant role in Carolina's final conclusion.
Rejzohn Wright - Carolina Panthers CB
It's not like Rejzohn Wright was sitting alongside Jaycee Horn atop the cornerback depth chart heading into training camp. However, there were more than a few fans and analysts that expected the undrafted free agent to make a strong roster push given the questions surrounding the position group.
Wright was unable to gain serious momentum over early workouts thanks in no small part to injury. This led to some indifferent performances over the first few days of training camp before another nagging complication restricted him to bike duties during the opening day of pads.
According to those in attendance, the pair of Wright and Herb Miller is being outperformed by C.J. Henderson, Keith Taylor Jr., and Stantley Thomas Oliver III. While there is still time to turn things around, the positive talk surrounding the undrafted free agent has evaporated to a point when it would now be a shock if he made the 53-man roster.
In all honesty, this wouldn't be the end of the world. Wright could still be placed on the practice squad to develop his game further in the hope of securing a place further down the line, which isn't the worst spot to be in all things considered.
Hopefully, Wright can put a solid run of sessions together leading into the preseason. This will be the best measuring stick for the player against others around the league that are also fighting for their roster spots.
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
This might seem like a shock to many. But based on the performance levels at training camp so far, Terrace Marshall Jr. might not live up to his preseason hype unless something changes.
The former second-round selection will still have a big part to play, one suspects. However, anyone expecting Marshall to immediately step up and become the Carolina Panthers' primary weapon at wide receiver in 2023 might be out of luck.
Marshall has arguably been outperformed by D.J. Chark and Adam Thielen throughout camp to date. Laviska Shenault Jr. is also catching the eye with newfound responsibilities as a dynamic do-it-all weapon, and Bryce Young's connection with Jonathan Mingo is developing encouragingly enough to make a difference immediately.
While Marshall has made a few decent catches of his own, the Panthers haven't witnessed dominant qualities from the one-time LSU product. Certainly not enough to justify No. 1 duties right out of the gate despite flashing over the second half of 2022.
This is a challenge Marshall must overcome heading into Year 3 of his professional career. The physical attributes are there for all to see, it's just a case of increasing confidence before the regular season arrives.
For now, one could make an argument that he's No. 3, No. 4, or even No. 5 on the depth chart depending on Shenault's status. Although it's far too early to be giving up on Marshall just yet.