Cat Scratch Reader
We’re gonna take a stab at the Panthers final roster for week 1 of the 2024 NFL Season.
The NFL Draft and majority of the free agency period has come and gone for the Carolina Panthers, and now they have a few months of offseason and preseason activities to figure out their final roster to start the NFL season. Obviously, injuries, trades, signing CB Stephon Gilmore free agents will change this projection, but it is always a fun exercise to try and predict what the final roster may look like. Without further adieu, here’s my shot at it.
(Players in Italics are starters)
Quarterback (2): Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Runningback (3): Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks (Rookie), Raheem Blackshear
Wide Receiver (6): Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette (R), Jonathan Mingo, Terrace Marshall Jr, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Tight End (4): Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders (R), Stephen Sullivan
Offensive Line (9): Ikem Ekwonu, Robert Hunt, Austin Corbett, Damien Lewis, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Chandler Zavala, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays
First things first, there have been rumblings that teams (such as the Cowboys) may be in the market to make a trade for Miles Sanders, though there’s nothing concrete out there at this time. I think the Panthers should take that trade if they can to add to their already nice looking set of Draft picks in 2025. This would pave the way for Blackshear to easily retain a roster spot as a player that contributes on special teams along with change-of-pace back value. Beyond that, not a whole lot of shockers I’m sure. The Panthers could elect to hold a 7th wide receiver instead of a 9th OL, however after last year’s debacle with injuries I wouldn’t be surprised if they go on and hold an extra or two, and they have plenty of depth as it is. I imagine 2nd round rookie Jonathon Brooks will be eased in as the Panthers run a committee approach with Chuba at RB.
Down Lineman (5): Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, A’Shawn Robinson, Nick Thurman, Jaden Crumedy (R)
Outside Linebacker (6): Jadeveon Clowney, DJ Wonnum, K’Lavon Chaisson, Amare Barno, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota
Inside Linebacker (5): Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace (R), Claudin Cherelus, Chandler Wooten
Cornerback (5): Jaycee Horn, Dane Jackson, Troy Hill, D’Shawn Jamison, Chau Smith-Wade (R)
Safety (5): Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Sam Franklin Jr., Jammie Robinson
There’s about 2-3 spots that are up for grabs between all 3 levels of the defense. I gave two of the extra spots to linebacker and safety and linebacker but those extra spots could just as easily go to a corner or a down lineman. The bottom line is the depth at many positions on defense is likely going to be fluid, and the Panthers will likely try to stash as many players as they can on the practice squad that could step in and start in a pinch.
Punter: Johnny Hekker
Kicker: Eddy Pineiro...
