Each NFL season is unique, with its own heroes and villains and ups and downs. After so many changes this offseason, the Panthers are going to need some of their young role players to take a big step forward in 2019.
With that in mind, here are four players who might have a breakout year.
WR Curtis Samuel
Put this one in the “obvious” category. Samuel’s potential has been limited so far due to injuries and the heart procedure that forced him out of the first few games of the 2018 season. This is his first truly healthy offseason since he came into the NFL, so he has a chance to hit the ground running. Samuel posted seven touchdowns from scrimmage last year on just 47 touches, and averaged 12.3 yards per touch. If he stays healthy and plays a full 16-game schedule, Samuel’s abilities might land him in the Pro Bowl.
WR D.J. Moore
Carolina is blessed to have more than one potential breakout receiver. Last year’s first-round pick did not see the field much in the first half of 2018, but he had a standout game against Baltimore Week 8 and never looked back. Moore finished the season ranked first in the league among all wide receivers yards in after catch per reception, forced missed tackles per reception and total yards after contact. Moore likely won’t get as many targets as Christian McCaffrey, but he should have a chance to become a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver.
LB Shaq Thompson
Thompson has been around a bit longer than the other players on this list, making it all the more important that he has a breakout season. With the Panthers moving on from Thomas Davis and switching to more of a base 3-4 defense, Thompson absolutely has to live up to the promise he’s shown in flashes over his first four years in the league. We know Thompson can get it done when he’s locked in. The question will be whether he can deliver consistently from week to week for a whole season with a bigger role.
CB Donte Jackson
To say that the Panthers don’t have much depth to spare at the cornerback position would be an understatement. That makes it crucial for outside starters James Bradberry and Donte Jackson to improve on 2018 and stop giving up so many explosive passing plays. Jackson has the speed and the ball skills to be a star corner in this league. He needs to show more discipline in coverage and cut down on the mental mistakes, though.
