Every crisis is an opportunity. Odds are, the Carolina Panthers are going to have plenty of them during the 2020 NFL season. While the outlook isn’t great for the team’s projected win total, there will be a lot of chances for the players on the bottom end of the depth chart to prove themselves.
Here are eight players who could have a surprise breakout year, given the right set of circumstances.
QB P.J. Walker
Madden may not think much of Walker’s game based on his 59 overall rating. What he put on film during his run in the XFL was undeniably impressive, though. If Teddy Bridgewater winds up getting injured, it’s not hard to see Will Grier bombing again and Walker taking over as the team’s starting quarterback. The level of competition will be much higher, but Walker deserves a chance to show what he can do in the event Bridgewater is unable to play.
RB Reggie Bonnafon
Bonnafon hasn’t gotten on the field much, as Christian McCaffrey has played more than 90% of Carolina’s offensive snaps the last two seasons. He has flashed some burst when he’s gotten a chance, though. In 2019, Bonnafon averaged 7.3 yards per carry. If offensive coordinator Joe Brady uses more two running back sets than we have seen in the past, Bonnafon may get an opportunity to prove that number was not just a fluke.
WR/KR Pharoh Cooper
The Panthers haven’t had a true return specialist for several years. Cooper gives them a huge upgrade at that spot and should take on both punt and kick returns. For his career, he’s averaged 24.3 yards per attempt on kickoffs. It will also be interesting to see if Brady takes advantage of Cooper’s abilities on offense as a gadget weapon. He only has 50 career catches, but his speed and vision could be useful.
OT Greg Little
Trading for Russell Okung is probably not the best move Marty Hurney has ever made. Okung had health issues last year which forced him to miss 10 games and he’ll turn 33 years old around Week 4. If he gets injured again, Greg Little is the most obvious choice to take over at left tackle. He only played 224 offensive snaps as a rookie, so he might still be a bit raw. Little has potential though and Hurney says they’re not giving up on him.
DT Bravvion Roy
Last year, Carolina was spending more money at defensive tackle than anybody else by a mile. This year, it’s a different story. Gerald McCoy, Vernon Butler and Dontari Poe all left in free agency, leaving the interior pretty thin. If either Kawann Short or Derrick Brown are hurt, that could mean a big opportunity for Roy, who played for coach Matt Rhule at Baylor. Roy’s size makes him the closest thing to Poe currently on the roster. That could come in handy if the team struggles against the run again.
DE Efe Obada
The edge rotation also took a hit in free agency with starters Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin leaving. That means more snaps for guys further down the depth chart. Obada hasn’t played much but he’s shown potential and consistency, having missed only one tackle so far. If he develops as a pass rusher, there might be a legitimate chance for him to blossom. First, Obada will have to beat out Christian Miller and Marquis Haynes for playing time.
LB Jordan Kunaszyk
Luke Kuechly’s sudden retirement punched a huge hole in the team’s linebacker room. Recovering from that blow will require some of the younger linebackers to step up. Kunaszyk looked impressive during the preseason last year, displaying solid instincts and quickness to the ball. He’s also an excellent tackler. If the main backups Jermaine Carter or Andre Smith get injured, Kunaszyk might be able to take their job permanently.
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
Usually seventh-round picks don’t get many snaps. However, the Panthers need all the help they can get at cornerback, especially outside where they are a bit small. Thomas-Oliver has the requisite size and a strong athletic profile for the position. In college, he showed some tenacity on tape that will help at this level. If Eli Apple and Donte Jackson struggle like last season, Thomas-Oliver and fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. may get a chance to start.
