Did Friday night’s preseason finale do much to change our outlook for the Carolina Panthers’ initial 53-man roster?
Here is our final projection of the program:
Quarterbacks (3)
In: Matt Corral, Andy Dalton, Bryce Young
Out: Jake Luton
Corral impressed head coach Frank Reich and the Panthers may have a tough time finding a decent enough buyer, especially after former third overall pick Trey Lance just fetched the San Francisco 49ers a fourth-rounder. So, we see him sticking on as a third option with a chance to develop.
Running backs (3)
In: Raheem Blackshear, Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders
Out: Spencer Brown, Camerun Peoples
Brown and Peoples had completely different nights on Friday, with the former leading the game in rushing and the latter bookending his preseason debut with a couple of fumbles. But whatever they would’ve done, for better or for worse, wasn’t going to change that three-man room.
Wide receivers (6)
In: DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault Jr., Shi Smith, Adam Thielen
Out: Gary Jennings, C.J. Sanders, Javon Wims, Derek Wright, Josh Vann
If we’re going six deep, the final spot here could be between Smith and Wright. We’ll go with Smith, who was more productive in the preseason and has more upside as a returner.
Tight ends (3)
In: Hayden Hurst, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble
Out: Giovanni Ricci, Stephen Sullivan
Ricci may not have done enough to warrant a spot while Sullivan missed all of preseason play due to injury.
Offensive linemen (9)
In: Bradley Bozeman, Brady Christensen, Ikem Ekwonu, Cameron Erving, Nash Jensen, Cade Mays, Justin McCray, Taylor Moton, Chandler Zavala
Out: Deonte Brown, Larnel Coleman, J.D. DiRenzo, Ricky Lee, Michael Jordan, Sam Tecklenburg
Injured reserve: Austin Corbett
Carolina is still sorting out how to man that right guard spot, but they keep on a few guys who have the potential to fill in for Corbett. As for the favorite to do so, it may very well be the fourth-round pick in Zavala—who got his second straight starting nod.
Defensive linemen (5)
In: Henry Anderson, Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, DeShawn Williams, Raequan Williams
Out: Antwuan Jackson, Taylor Stallworth, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Despite not playing in the finale, Raequan Williams has seemingly done enough to push Marquan McCall out and perhaps claim that starting nose tackle role.
Outside linebackers (6)
In: Amaré Barno, Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr., Justin Houston, DJ Johnson
Out: Kobe Jones, Eku Leota, Jordan Thomas
It’ll be tough to keep Jones and Leota off, especially with the standout summers that they had. But it feels as though Barno did the most, particularly during the exhibitions, to earn the sixth jersey here.
Inside linebackers (5)
In: Kamu Grugier-Hill, Deion Jones, Frankie Luvu, Shaq Thompson, Chandler Wooten
Out: Ace Eley, Bumper Pool, Brandon Smith
Wooten started and ended his preseason with two solid outings. Between that and his prowess on special teams, he may have secured a spot.
Cornerbacks (6)
In: Jeremy Chinn, CJ Henderson, Troy Hill, Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, Keith Taylor Jr.
Out: Greg Mabin, Mac McCain III, Herb Miller, Mark Milton, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, Rejzohn Wright
Taylor Jr. may have put his name into consideration for the chopping block after last night. But given the defense’s lack of depth at the position, he sticks on.
Safeties (4)
In: Vonn Bell, Sam Franklin Jr., Jammie Robinson, Xavier Woods
Out: Collin Duncan, Eric Rowe, Josh Thomas
Rowe could be useful given his versatility as both a corner and safety. He was, however, playing rather late into last night’s game.
Since they’re both defensive backs, Taylor Jr. and Rowe may be battling against one another in the braintrust’s conversations.
Specialists (3)
In: JJ Jansen, Johnny Hekker, Eddy Piñeiro
Out: Matthew Wright
Eddy’s back, and he booted through a 41-yard field goal and an extra point. So, now that we know he’s good to go, Wright is on the outs.
