How could the Carolina Panthers' 53-man roster be shaping up in 2023 as the team gets set to embark on their annual training camp at Wofford College?
The Carolina Panthers are putting the final preparations in place before their annual pilgrimage to Spartanburg in South Carolina for training camp. This will be hot, heavy, and frantic, with many roster spots up for grabs under Frank Reich's exciting new regime in 2023.
On this topic, we took a look and gave a special 53-man roster projection before the Panthers get to grips with the unbearable humidity that envelops Wofford College at this time of year.
Carolina Panthers QBs (3)
- Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, Matt Corral.
Huge changes were almost inevitable within the Carolina Panthers quarterback room this off-season. Those in power were aggressive to finally put a sustainable plan in place long-term, which began by signing Andy Dalton in free agency and ended with securing Bryce Young's services at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young has all the intangibles needed to become Carolina's franchise quarterback and a worthy heir to Cam Newton's throne. He's made an outstanding start to early workouts, which can hopefully continue throughout camp in readiness for his first NFL start in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons.
There is a strong veteran support system in the form of Dalton, who's seen it all throughout an eventful career. His experience will be vital from a backup role and in the event Young does miss time, the Panthers have a steady understudy to pick up the slack.
Matt Corral is the unknown quantity. But the signal-caller looked sharp throughout OTAs and the new NFL ruling that allows for an emergency quarterback to be activated in case injury strikes should ensure he gets a roster spot.
A situation could emerge where the Panthers trade Corral. But it would have to be a big offer at this juncture.
Carolina Panthers RBs (3)
- Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear.
Many expected the Carolina Panthers to stand pat at the running back position. D'Onta Foreman performed well after Christian McCaffrey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, but the new regime had a different approach in mind.
Instead of offering Foreman a new deal, the Panthers convinced Miles Sanders to join Frank Reich's ambitious project following his first Pro Bowl campaign. The former Penn State star projects to be a three-down focal point within Carolina's dynamic scheme, which is exactly what quarterback Bryce Young needs to smooth his transition.
Chuba Hubbard will be the No. 2 option and should see plenty of work after making huge strides over the second half of 2022. Many wrote the 2021 fourth-round selection off after an indifferent rookie campaign, but he flourished once the previous staff fell by the wayside and hopefully, there is more to come this time around.
Rounding off the running backs is Raheem Blackshear. The undrafted free agent was plucked from the Buffalo Bills practice squad last season and performed well with limited involvement, so it would be a shock if he didn't build on this positive momentum with better coaches aiding his development.
Trading McCaffrey before the 2022 deadline was a necessary evil. But the Panthers look to have more than enough with this trio operating alongside Young in the backfield.
Carolina Panthers WRs (6)
- Terrace Marshall Jr., Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark, Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault Jr., Damiere Byrd.
Competition for places is fierce within the wide receiver room heading into camp. D.J. Moore was sacrificed as part of the deal that landed the No. 1 selection, which was a big sacrifice and one that provides an opportunity for others on the Carolina Panthers to shine.
The Panthers were incredibly active throughout the offseason, signing a veteran duo in Adam Theilen and D.J. Chark to fill the void left by Moore. Jonathan Mingo was also acquired at No. 39 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, boasting the size and explosiveness capable of making an immediate impact.
Big things are also expected of Terrace Marshall Jr entering Year 3 of his professional career. The former LSU star flourished once Matt Rhule was fired in 2022 and he's been one of the genuine standouts from early workouts as he looks to secure a true breakout campaign.
The Panthers also have something up their sleeve for Laviska Shenault Jr. This is going to be a gadget option within Frank Rech and Thomas Brown's scheme and should bring about an upturn in production in a contract year for the player.
This would leave one spot remaining unless Carolina takes seven wide receivers through onto their roster. Shi Smith and Marquez Stevenson could be options, but a slight preference is for Damiere Byrd thanks to his special teams' influence and ability to stretch the field.
Carolina Panthers TEs (3)
- Hayden Hurst, Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas.
Much like the situation at quarterback, something had to be done in pursuit of making the tight-end unit more productive in 2023. Frank Reich and Thomas Brown's system should be more friendly to the position group, but whether that's enough for any substantial improvements remains to be seen.
The Carolina Panthers made one notable signing in this key area when Hayden Hurst signed on the dotted line. This provides the franchise with a dependable option over short-to-intermediate routes that can also get open quickly in the red zone - something that's been sorely lacking since Greg Olsen was allowed to leave in 2020 for the Seattle Seahawks.
Hurst will be the No. 1 option and should become Bryce Young's best friend in crucial situations providing there are no complications on the health front. Ian Thomas agreed to pay a pay cut to stick around, and the one-time Indiana standout is expected to occupy blocking duties rather than become a prominent feature in the passing game.
All hope is not lost where Tommy Tremble is concerned, either. The player admitted recently that this summer was the first time he'd had any legitimate route-running tutelage since entering the NFL, which is absolutely astonishing and a damning indictment of how the previous regime ran things.
Tremble could take a substantial leap forward as a result. If the Panthers take four tight ends through onto their roster, then Giovanni Ricci is the obvious choice despite his recent transition to a full-back type role.
Carolina Panthers OL (9)
- Ikem Ekwonu, Taylor Moton, Bradley Bozeman, Austin Corbett (IR), Brady Christensen, Cam Erving, Cade Mays, Justin McCray, Chander Zavala.
There was no position group on the Carolina Panthers that improved more than the offensive line in 2022. James Campen worked his magic and the acquisitions all made a significant difference, something that could see this unit evolve further into one of the league's most consistent protections next season.
Austin Corbett could start the season on injured/reserve as he works his way back from a torn ACL. That hasn't been confirmed one way or another as yet, but missing the veteran for any lengthy period will be a body blow for the Panthers and their chances of progression.
Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are the bookend tackle tandem Carolina's been seeking for what seems like an age. Bradley Bozeman was brought back on a three-year deal after making the biggest impression imaginable, and Brady Christensen is also expected to shine with another offseason of development on the interior.
This also looks like a deeper group than in previous years. The likes of Cam Erving, Justin McCray, Cade Mays, and rookie Chandler Zavala represent solid depth options with the versatility to occupy different positions, so all signs point to another strong campaign from the protection in 2023.
Of course, convincing Campen to stick around under the new coaching regime could be the biggest development of all. This once-troubled unit finally has hope, which is another potential benefit for Bryce Young during his rookie campaign.
Carolina Panthers DL (6)
- Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, DeShawn Williams, Henry Anderson, Marquan McCall, John Penisini.
It's all changed where the Carolina Panthers' defense is concerned in 2022. The arrival of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could be the springboard that ignites this talented young core to different heights next season, which could boost his own head coaching credentials heading into the next cycle.
Evero is switching the Panthers to a 3-4 base system. This will change frequently depending on the situation, but it promises to be a fascinating adjustment that looks set to bring the best out of the players at his disposal.
Having a 3-4 front means some additions were needed on the defensive line. Derrick Brown will switch to defensive end after a phenomenal 2022 campaign - with the duo of Shy Tuttle and DeShawn Williams expected to feature heavily following their respective arrivals in free agency.
Henry Anderson was brought back and could help thanks to his ability to set the edge against the run. Mammoth nose tackle Marquan McCall might be preferred to someone like Bravvion Roy and John Penisini's decision to come out of retirement is something that could come with a spot on the 53-man roster.
Again, competition for places can only be a good thing. Although the top end of the defensive line depth chart looks set, anything is possible lower down the pecking order.
Carolina Panthers LBs (9)
- Brian Burns, Shaq Thompson, Marquis Haynes Sr., Frankie Luvu, Yetur Gross-Matos, D.J. Johnson, Brandon Smith, Amare Barno, Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Ejiro Evero's switch to a 3-4 base instantly turns the linebacking corps into an area of real strength. The Carolina Panthers still need a consistent presence opposite Brian Burns flying off the edge, but there is enough salary-cap space to make this happen in the event those on the books cannot reach expectations.
The defensive second level will be anchored by Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu on the interior. Both players are integral to the team's chances in 2023 thanks to their instincts, communication, and leadership.
Burns has a tremendous amount on his shoulders as Carolina's best pass-rushing option. The Panthers will make him one of the league's best-paid edge defenders before the campaign, so his production must match such a big financial commitment.
Marquis Haynes Sr., Yetur Gross-Matos, Amare Barno, and maybe even third-rounder D.J. Johnson will fight it out for the other starting outside linebacker position. Brandon Smith comes with special teams upside, but it seems as if there won't be many opportunities on the defensive rotation unless Thompson or Luvu succumb to injury.
The final spot goes to Kamu Grugier-Hill over others such as Chandler Wooten and undrafted free agent Bumper Pool. This is thanks in no small part to his special teams' influence more than anything else.
Carolina Panthers CBs (6)
- Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, Keith Taylor Jr., C.J. Henderson, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, Rejzohn Wright.
To say there are a few questions surrounding the Carolina Panthers cornerback room would be understating things slightly. This bears more significance when one considers the lack of investment made in the unit throughout free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.
The success of this group depends almost entirely on Jaycee Horn. The former first-round selection is one of the league's best lockdown cornerbacks when firing on all cylinders, but he's yet to play a full 17-game slate and another offseason injury shed further light on the problems that could emerge if he misses any time next season.
Donte Jackson is working his way back from a torn Achilles, so there's just no telling how explosive the 2018 second-rounder will be given the complication's severity. Keith Taylor Jr. and C.J. Henderson's lack of consistency was a weak link in 2022 and if the same happens again, it'll be their last seasons with the franchise.
There appears to be room for Stantley Thomas-Oliver III after an outstanding start to the offseason. The Florida International product also has some injury doubts to overcome, but there is an opportunity awaiting him on the rotation and as a core special teamer with a smooth training camp.
A chance is also taken on Rejzohn Wright. The undrafted free agent comes with intrigue and is preferred to someone like Eric Rowe unless another addition is acquired beforehand.
Carolina Panthers S (5)
- Jeremy Chinn, Vonn Bell, Sam Franklin Jr., Xavier Woods, Jammie Robinson.
The Carolina Panthers have an embarrassment of riches at the safety position. Although just where Jeremy Chinn ends up being utilized has been one of the offseason's biggest talking points.
His athletic intangibles and natural instincts could be a significant weapon for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Chinn also comes into the campaign highly motivated with a big-money contract potentially on the horizon in 2023.
If Chinn is deployed as a roamer of sorts, then Vonn Bell and Xavier Woods will provide the backend base. The two veterans have bags of experience and should be strong communicators pre-snap, which is going to assist a young cornerback group that comes into the campaign with more questions than answers.
There is also some intrigue surrounding Jammie Robinson. The fifth-round selection was far from pleased about being overlooked until No. 145 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, which is a chip on his shoulder he can put to good use in pursuit of carving out a role for himself as a rookie.
Robinson could be used as a third safety or even as a nickel cornerback when required. This position versatility is one of the primary reasons why the Panthers were attracted to the Florida State product, who has a previous relationship with Jaycee Horn to smooth his transition.
Sam Franklin Jr. is one of the best special teams players in the business. But he'll have his sights set on increased defensive reps under the new coaching regime.
Carolina Panthers ST (3)
- Eddy Pineiro (K), J.J. Jansen (LS), Johnny Hekker (P)
Chris Tabor's decision to stay on under Frank Reich's new regime is another major positive for the Carolina Panthers. He's one of the most respected special teams minds in the business and the growth made last season was largely down to his organization and improved coaching methods.
Of course, it helps that the Panthers had players that could execute effectively. Johnny Hekker's arrival from the Los Angeles Rams in free agency gave them a productive punter that flipped the field almost at will during a standout first campaign in Carolina.
The Panthers also got another good year out of J.J. Jansen. His long-snapping exploits and locker-room leadership remain a franchise cornerstone and confidence remains in his ability despite being 37 years old.
In perhaps the most surprising move of the spring, Eddy Pineiro was given a new one-year deal after impressing considerably in 2022 aside from his horror show at the Atlanta Falcons. Many expected Zane Gonzalez to step back into the breach, but Tabor wanted a player he trusts and the Panthers obliged.
Gonzalez was traded to the San Francisco 49ers before his release. Considering how many games could be decided by fine margins in 2023, this decision could be among the team's most critical between success and failure.