Breaking Down the Carolina Panthers Roster After the 2015 NFL Draft
With the end of the draft and most priority free-agent signings, we have a pretty good idea of what players the Carolina Panthers will be bringing into training camp in 2015. They currently have 86 players on their 90-man roster, including this year’s draft class and their group of undrafted free agents. Obviously, that leaves slots for four more players on the roster, but unless the Panthers win the La’el Collins sweepstakes or something else of that nature, the players they have now will be the players seriously competing for roles this season.
By my count, there are about 35 slots on the 53-man roster that are more or less sewn up at this point in time. Some are players who have earned a spot thanks to their play on the field, like linebacker Thomas Davis or defensive tackle Kawann Short. Some are players whom the team has given a significant financial commitment, such as tackles Michael Oher and Nate Chandler. Some are players whom the team has recently invested a high draft pick on, such as Shaq Thomas and Devin Funchess. Some match all of the above criteria, such as linebacker Luke Kuechly and receiver Kelvin Benjamin.
Whatever the reason, these players can be expected to be on the opening day roster, barring injury or suspension. That leaves about 18 spots still up for grabs, with players fighting to make the final roster.
Let’s go position by position and look at the new roster as it currently stands. We’ll see which players are more or less guaranteed to make the team, which positions will have heated battles for starting positions or lower spots on the depth chart and what positions still need work even after free agency and the draft.
Quarterbacks
1 of 9
Locks: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson
On the Bubble: Joe Webb
Who Will Start?
There shouldn't be any surprises when it comes to the quarterback position. Cam Newton may not have a long-term extension yet, but he’s the franchise quarterback. He’s currently under contract, thanks to the fifth-year option, and it seems that he’s waiting for players like Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck to set the market before signing, according to the Charlotte Observer. He’s a top-10 quarterback entering his prime and should be around for a long time to come.
Who’s the Backup?
Derek Anderson looked very solid in his two starts last season, though that should be taken with a grain of salt because they were both against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the only other experienced quarterback on the roster—Anderson’s started 45 games in his career—he’s the kind of guy you want for a short-term replacement. The Panthers are probably not going anywhere if Newton misses extended time, but what team could survive the loss of its quarterback? Anderson’s a perfectly competent replacement.
Who’s on the Bubble?
Joe Webb is going to benefit from not having any competition whatsoever for the third slot. If the Panthers don’t bring in another quarterback as an undrafted free agent, the only risk he has is the Panthers opting not to keep three quarterbacks. As Webb can contribute on special teams as well, he has a little more value than a random third-string quarterback but not so much so that he’s close to a lock. I think he makes the team when all is said and done, but a developmental quarterback would be nice.
What’s Needed?
The Panthers are more or less set at quarterback. A developmental prospect with more promise than Webb would be nice to have, but it's far from necessary.
Running Backs
2 of 9
Locks: Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron Artis-Payne
On the Bubble: Darrin Reaves, Jordan Todman
Long shots: Brandon Wegher
Who Will Start?
With the release of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart is in line to become the starter for the first time in his NFL career. While he’s seen plenty of action before, maxing out at 221 carries in 2009, Stewart has never started more than eight games in his career. Head coach Ron Rivera said at the owners meetings they would like to keep Williams to around “15 carries a game,” which would be a slight increase from his use last year. It remains to be seen if he can hold up.
Mike Tolbert will continue to be the fullback. The Panthers did get better last season when he returned from the short-term injured reserve, but that’s more of a coincidence than anything else. Tolbert will continue to get his 15 to 25 snaps a game as the fullback position continues to be phased out of the NFL.
Who’s the Backup?
Fozzy Whittaker’s 32 carries were the most by any of the other returning running backs, so I suppose he’s technically in line at the moment. I fully expect Cameron Artis-Payne to take over that role by the time the season starts, however. Whittaker will get most of his value on special teams, getting a fill-in carry every now and then.
Who’s on the Bubble?
It’s entirely possible the Panthers will only carry four running backs into the regular season. If not, free-agent acquisition Jordan Todman and last year’s undrafted free agent Darrin Reaves will compete for a spot. Todman adds some value as a kick returner, but that’s not really necessary with Ted Ginn in camp. Reaves averaged only 2.5 yards per carry last season, so Artis-Payne probably spelled the end of his tenure.
What’s Needed?
The Panthers should be fine at running back now, assuming Artis-Payne steps into the void left by DeAngelo Williams’ departure.
Wide Receivers
3 of 9
Locks: Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess
On the Bubble: Jerricho Cotchery, Ted Ginn, Philly Brown, Jarrett Boykin, Stephen Hill, Brenton Bersin
Long shots: Marcus Lucas, Mike Brown, De'Andre Presley, Damiere Byrd
Who Will Start?
Well, Kelvin Benjamin will be a starter. While he was far from the most impressive rookie wide receiver last season, he showed solid enough progress for a first-year player. The Panthers knew coming into last season Benjamin was raw, but they rode his ups and downs and got a 1,000 yard season out of him. There’s every reason to expect improvement in year two.
After Benjamin, the picture is murky. Devin Funchess is the only other player on the roster right now who I’d guarantee would be there Week 1, so I suppose I’ll give him the other starting nod. There’s still questions as to how Funchess will be used on the team and whether he can compete on the outside in the NFL, but if I had to put money on it, I’d have Funchess with the second-most receiving snaps in 2015 after Benjamin.
Who’s the Backup?
This should be quite the free-for-all behind Benjamin. The Panthers brought in Ted Ginn and Jarrett Boykin in free agency, but neither was given significant salary guarantees, nor did they light up their previous teams. Neither should feel his roster spot is guaranteed.
I went back and forth over whether to consider Jerricho Cotchery a lock or not, thanks to his contract. Cotchery’s final three years are voidable, according to OverTheCap, so if the Panthers stick with him through 2015, he could be completely off the books next season.
Cutting him now would save the Panthers only $150,000 in cap room, while cutting him after June 1 would keep his $1.3 million charge on the cap in 2016. Add in the fact that he’s a solid, if unspectacular, third or fourth receiver, and I think he makes the team, but I’m not willing to fully guarantee it. I could see the Panthers going quite a few ways at the position.
Some combination of Benjamin, Funchess, Cotchery and Ginn should end up as the top four receivers when all is said and done. They could use Cotchery’s solid hands and the remnants of Ginn’s deep speed to provide other looks than the two iron-handed skyscrapers, Benjamin and Funchess. It’s certainly a better corps than it was two years ago.
Who’s on the Bubble?
With only five or six receivers likely to make the final roster, the addition of Funchess will probably squeeze someone out. Philly Brown and Brenton Bersin saw significant action last season, and neither was horrible. Jarrett Boykin looked solid for the Packers in 2013, but he had as many catches as drops last year. Stephen Hill spent last year on the practice squad, and Ron Rivera is apparently “excited” about seeing him in training camp this year. I like Boykin and Brown as the front runners, but this should be a tight fight.
What’s Needed?
If Funchess develops into a top receiver, the Panthers are fine here for now. They could still use more solid options behind Funchess and Benjamin, but that’s something they’ll have to deal with next year.
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Tight Ends
4 of 9
Locks: Greg Olsen
On the Bubble: Ed Dickson, Brandon Willliams, Kevin Greene, Richie Brockel
Who Will Start?
Greg Olsen’s not going anywhere. He just signed a three-year extension in March and has been one of the most consistent players in football for the past three seasons. He may be heading toward the downside of his career, but the Panthers should be set at tight end for at least a couple more years.
Who’s the Backup?
Ed Dickson was the primary backup last season, with no one even coming close to him in terms of snaps. The Panthers didn’t add anyone to the position in the offseason. Thus, my clever deduction skills lead me to believe that Dickson will continue to be the primary reserve in 2015.
Dickson’s always been a frustrating player; he has clear athleticism but never the production you’d want out of it, and he’s not really a blocker. He could stand to be improved, but it’s far down the list. He may lose some snaps to Devin Funchess, however, because on passing downs, Funchess could move inside as a second tight end and provide more value than Dickson would.
Who’s on the Bubble
The Panthers will only keep three or four tight ends on the roster. Richie Brockel’s probably safe because he’s more of an H-Back, fullback-type player, meaning he has value at multiple positions. That leaves Brandon Williams fighting to keep his spot against Kevin Greene, who spent time last season on the practice squads in San Francisco, Cincinnati and Carolina. I’m a fan of Greene’s, but Williams is probably the better player at the moment.
What’s Needed?
Ed Dickson needs to step up and fulfill his potential, or he’ll lose snaps to Devin Funchess. A player younger than 30 years old to groom as Olsen’s replacement would be nice as well, but these are far from pressing needs.
Offensive Line
5 of 9
Locks: Michael Oher, Andrew Norwell, Ryan Kalil, Trai Turner, Mike Remmers, Daryl Williams, Nate Chandler
On the Bubble: Jonathan Martin, Amini Silatolu, Brian Folkerts, Martin Wallace, Edmund Kugbila, Chris Scott
Long shots: Tyronne Green, David Foucault
Who Will Start?
You don’t bring in an offensive tackle in free agency who will count $2.4 million against the cap, according to Over The Cap, without expecting him to start. Michael Oher will get the first crack at the left tackle position, especially now that the Panthers added no one in the draft to compete with him.
Oher hasn’t been a useful part of a competitive line since 2012 in Baltimore, and he hasn’t graded out positively in Pro Football Focus’ rating since 2009, when he was a right tackle. In fact, his only two negatively graded games in that 2009 season were when he was forced to the left. This is probably Oher’s last chance to stick in a starting role in the NFL, and honestly, it might be one chance too many.
The interior of the line, at least, looks solid. Ryan Kalil, Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner should lock down the guard and center spots. While Kalil is now on the wrong side of thirty, he’s been a rock in the center for years and should remain in place. Norwell and Turner came on strongly at the end of last season and shouldn’t have to worry about their starting spots.
Right tackle, on the other hand, should be a free-for-all. I’m counting Nate Chandler as a lock to make the roster, as you don’t give players three-year contract extensions only to cut them a year later. Cutting Chandler in training camp would only save the Panthers $450,000 against the cap anyway, so he’s going to be on the roster for another year.
He didn’t have to compete with Mike Remmers last year for the starting job, however. Remmers, a career practice-squad player, was picked up midseason and called up for the stretch run when Chandler went down with an injury. He played very well.
The question is whether that was a fluke or if Remmers’ true talent went unnoticed by Denver, Tampa Bay, San Diego, Minnesota and St. Louis, all of whom had him on the practice squad or the bench. It’s easily possible that the more experienced Chandler could beat Remmers out in training camp, though Remmers should start as the starter.
However, fourth-round pick Daryl Williams of Oklahoma should be in the mix as well. Williams enters the league with a higher pedigree than either undrafted Remmers or Chandler had and is already a better run-blocker than either of them. His pass-blocking needs work, and he might project better as a guard over the long term, but he could easily be the best option the Panthers have at right tackle in 2015. This should be the most interesting position battle on the roster this year, at least in terms of starters.
Who’s the Backup?
Brian Folkerts is the only other true center on the roster at the moment, with Fernando Velasco not currently signed. That makes him the logical backup to Kalil at center. Amini Silatolu was last year’s opening-day starter at left guard. While he shouldn’t win that job again this year, he should be the first man off the bench inside. The losers of the battle at right tackle should be the primary backups there.
Who’s on the Bubble?
The Panthers will keep anywhere between eight and 11 offensive linemen, but there’s no guarantee as to who those will be. Jonathan Martin is coming over from San Francisco, but he was pretty darn bad there, not to mention in Miami the year before that. With the drafting of Williams and Chandler’s contract situation, he’s going to have to play his butt off to stick around; none of his contract is guaranteed. He might end up competing with Martin Wallace for one slot.
The Panthers could also use another backup at guard. Assuming Fernando Velasco doesn’t become one of the last names on the 90-man roster, that should be a battle between Edmund Kugbila and Chris Scott. Kugbila missed his rookie season in 2013 after getting knee surgery and his entire 2014 season with spinal surgery. He’s never even had the chance to show what he can do on the field.
What’s Needed?
A time machine to get the 2009 Michael Oher would be nice. I’m not convinced Oher’s going to be that much of an improvement over Byron Bell from last season, though at least Oher has shown skill at some point in his career. The fact that Oher represented an upgrade at left tackle is more of a condemnation of Carolina’s offensive line situation than an endorsement of Oher.
Other than that, I’m concerned about the depth in the middle of the line. Another reserve interior lineman could be added.
Defensive Line
6 of 9
Locks: Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short
On the Bubble: Wes Horton, Mario Addison, Frank Alexander, Arthur Miley, Steve Miller, Colin Cole, Dwan Edwards, Kyle Love, Micanor Regis
Long shots: Darious Cummings, Terry Redden
Who Will Start?
In Charles Johnson, Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, the Panthers have three quarters of a great defensive line. Charles Johnson’s contract is enormous, and he did slip back to single-digit sacks last season, but he’s still a pass-rushing threat. Lotulelei should be back from his broken foot in time for training camp, and Short has become a more well-rounded player than his fellow draftmate from 2013. That’s a front three to be envious of.
The question mark comes at Greg Hardy’s old position. Last year, that was mostly Wes Horton’s job, but he didn’t provide much of a pass rush at all. Last year’s second-round pick, Kony Ealy, was better in pass defense but was a disaster against the run. Ealy will hopefully improve in his second full year, so the hope would be that he would win the job outright. That’s still up in the air, however. Frank Alexander was considered for the role in 2014 before his suspensions and could challenge again.
Who’s the Backup?
The Panthers re-signed Dwan Edwards and Colin Cole this offseason to serve as rotational defensive tackles. Edwards actually logged more work last season than Lotulelei did, coming in on pass-rushing downs primarily. While neither signed a large enough contract to make him prohibitively expensive to move on from, they should feel confident in their roles as the primary reserves inside.
Outside, it’s a different story. Both Wes Horton and Mario Addison had plenty of work last season, but if any spot on the roster could see an undrafted free agent make it, it might be here. Arthur Miley from Southern had a very solid pro day, and Steve Miller was a four-year starter at Ohio State. With the relative lack of depth here, I wouldn’t be at all astonished to see one of them earn a spot on the final 53.
Who’s on the Bubble?
If I think Miley and Miller have a chance, then I must, therefore, think Frank Alexander is in trouble. Alexander essentially missed all of last year, thanks to violating the substance abuse policy twice. He was expected to perhaps take over every-down duties from Hardy but instead had to serve a 14-game suspension, and he essentially was an afterthought. If he makes the team, then he could easily challenge for the starting role, but when a below-average starter has that many off-the-field headaches, you have to at least consider moving on.
What’s Needed?
Another veteran defensive end could be added as training camp gets closer. Da’Quan Bowers never really performed in Tampa Bay because of injuries, but he might be worth kicking the tires on. On the other side of the age spectrum, Dwight Freeney is 35 years old but still has value as a sub-package rusher. Either would boost the position.
Linebackers
7 of 9
Locks: Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, Adarius Glanton, Jason Trusnik, David Mayo
On the Bubble: A.J. Klein, Kevin Reddick, Ben Jacobs
Long shots: Brian Blechen
Who Will Start?
While the Panthers technically run a 4-3 defense, only two linebackers are on the field the majority of the time. That was, and will continue to be, Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. There is not a better linebacker duo in the league than these two.
As for the third linebacker, draft position indicates Shaq Thompson would get the role there, but I’m not so sure he takes it from day one. Thompson is a little bit of an athlete without a position; he’s dramatically undersized for an outside linebacker at just 6’0” and 228 pounds, and he's concerningly unathletic for a strong safety, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.64 seconds and a vertical jump of just 33.5 inches.
Still, Thompson is definitely in the upper crust when it comes to agile and athletic football players, regardless of position, and Thompson isn't that much smaller that Davis is. It just may be a scenario where the more naturally built A.J. Klein keeps the starting role for a while as Thompson bulks up. Thompson might be more suited for a nickel or dime safety role as a rookie.
Who’s the Backup?
You don’t use a fifth-round pick on a player you’re going to cut, so David Mayo should be penciled in as the backup middle linebacker and a special teams contributor. Some might say Mayo’s addition pushed Adarius Glanton out of a role, but I liked enough of what Glanton did down the stretch on both defense and special teams to include him as a member of the 53-man roster.
I was also a big fan of the free-agent signing of Jason Trusnik from Miami; Trusnik was a major special teams contributor who also started several games at all three linebacker positions for the Miami Dolphins. He ended up playing nearly 400 snaps on defense, according to Football Outsiders, and was essentially Miami’s third linebacker. He’ll almost certainly earn a spot.
Who’s on the Bubble?
If Thompson wins the starting job and Trusnik, Mayo and Glanton are all intriguing backups, where does that leave A.J. Klein? The Panthers have a bunch of solid linebackers, so it really comes down to how many they want to keep on the 53-man roster.
Klein might be in an odd position where he’ll either win the starting role or be a roster casualty. I think it’s more likely, however, that the Panthers would keep an unusually high number of linebackers than it is they move on from Klein, even with the Thompson draft choice.
With so many stars, draft picks and interesting young players on the roster, Ben Jacobs and Kevin Reddick are likely on the outside looking in.
What’s Needed?
Frankly, more roster spots. The Panthers have more talented players at linebacker than they really know what to do with at this point, which is a good problem to have.
Secondary
8 of 9
Locks: Roman Harper, Tre Boston, Kurt Coleman, Bene Benwikere, Josh Norman, Charles Tillman
On the Bubble: Colin Jones, Kimario McFadden, Dean Marlowe, Melvin White, Garry Peters
Long shots: Lou Young, Teddy Williams, Carrington Byndom, Robert Lester
Who Will Start?
At cornerback, your three starters will be Bene Benwikere, Josh Norman and Charles Tillman. Benwikere will likely move back into the slot when they go to the nickel defense; the question is whether he or Tillman will man the outside corner position when there are only two cornerbacks on the field.
As for safety, Roman Harper and Tre Boston will likely be your starters once again, as no one was really drafted to replace Harper. I could see some of his snaps being eaten up by Shaq Thompson in a big nickel set, but Harper will see plenty of play time again.
Who’s the Backup?
Kurt Coleman has experience at both safety positions, though he’s more of a coverage safety than a big, in-the-box sort of player. Colin Jones would be the favorite in the clubhouse to take over the dime cornerback role, though that’s far from a lock at this point.
Who’s on the Bubble?
The defensive secondary is another spot you could see some UDFAs pushing to make the roster. Dean Marlowe is a versatile safety from tiny James Madison who played everywhere on the field. He’s an aggressive hitter in the box, but he’s small for an NFL player. He’ll be counting on his experience as a four-year starter and his great work ethic to make up for lackluster cover skills.
Garry Peters comes out of Clemson slow for an NFL player, having run a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, but he’s got solid height and plays well at the line of scrimmage. Both have the potential to steal a roster spot.
What’s Needed?
Roman Harper’s been on a downward trend for the past couple of years, so if someone can take the starting job from him, the Panthers would likely be better off. It doesn’t look like that player’s currently on the roster, however.
Special Teams
9 of 9
Locks: Graham Gano, Brad Nortman, J.J. Jansen
Long shots: Matt Wile
Who Starts?
Well, between Jansen, who made the Pro Bowl in 2013; Nortman, who launched 30 punts inside the 20 in 2014; and Gano, who was Pro Football Focus’ fourth-ranked player (subscription needed) on kickoffs, the Panthers seem pretty much set on special teams. It’s the coverage units that need work, not the specialists.
Who’s the Backup?
You don’t carry very many second-string long snappers in the NFL.
Who’s on the Bubble?
No one. Matt Wile is essentially a camp leg to keep Gano and Nortman from getting too tired and to have a name in the Rolodex in case either of them gets hurt. He was both a kicker and punter at Michigan.
What’s Needed?
Nothing. The Panthers, at this position at least, have no serious decisions to make.
Bryan Knowles is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the Carolina Panthers during the NFL draft. Follow him @BryKno on twitter.
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