Panthers Mini Camp Preview
May 31, 2007
May 30th begins the offseason workouts for the Carolina Panthers. This is when the jockeying for depth chart position begins. A mini-preview of training camp that starts in late July. The last breath of real Panthers news for 2 months, the black hole of the NFL offseason.
After witnessing the rookie mini camp, I have come up with a few points of pure speculation that I thought I would share…
Deshaun Foster and Deangelo Williams are neck and neck in the hunt for the starters title. Both received adequate first team snaps. In the new zone blocking scheme, where decisive cuts and getting up field in a hurry is required, Deangelo may have the edge. Foster has always had a tendency to wait too long for a play to develop and not take what is given to him.
Two rookies will earn starting positions. The irony however, is that it will not be the first round draft pick Beason. James Anderson will claim the weak side linebacker position as his own, with Beason backing up both the weak side and middle.
Ryan Kalil will start at center this season, and Justin Hartwig may push Mike Wahle for the left guard position. Travelle Wharton will again start at left tackle. At right guard I expect to see a dog fight between Jeremy Bridges and Geoff Hangartner, and this one is too close to call. It could go either way.
Dwayne Jarrett will be the starting wide receiver opposite Steve Smith. However, he won’t win that position based on his route running and catching ability alone. He will quickly become the best blocking WR on the team under the direction of Davidson. Keary Colbert and Drew Carter will again battle to see who gets time in for three wide sets. Colbert has shown flashes of his rookie year in mini camp, but he did last year as well. Can he finally translate that into the regular season?
Finally Jake Delhomme will remain the starting QB throughout the offseason and preseason. Having David Carr behind him will motivate him to prepare more thoroughly than ever before. He remembers what a backup role is, and he does not want to be there again anytime soon.
As always, you can discuss any offseason happenings in our Message Board, the most active in the Carolinas.
