2015 Carolina Panthers Roster Projection

[Jeremy Igo]

Now that rookie camp is over and all the tryout players have been signed, here is how I see the Panthers roster shaking out as of today.

 

This is by no means set in stone, but a good starting off point for OTA's and Preseason. From here, things can shift depending on individual performances. 

 

Quarterbacks (3)

 

Cam Newton

Derek Anderson

Joe Webb

 

I don't see the Panthers letting Webb walk this season. He is just too versatile on the offense and special teams. 

 

Running Backs (4)

 

Jonathan Stewart

Fozzy Whitaker

Cameron Artis-Payne

Jordan Todman

 

Todman and Whitaker provide punt and kick return options that this team desperately needs. 

 

Fullbacks (1)

 

Mike Tolbert

 

Tight Ends (4)

 

Greg Olsen

Ed Dickson

Brandon Williams

Richie Brockel

 

Offensive Line (10)

 

Michael Oher

Andrew Norwell

Trai Turner

Ryan Kalil 

Daryl Williams

Mike Remmers

Jonathan Martin 

Nate Chandler 

Brian Folkerts

Amini Silatolu

 

Nate Chandler may have actually improved his value last year, can now backup tackle and guard. 

 

 

Wide Receivers (6)

 

Kelvin Benjamin

Devin Funchess

Jerricho Cotchery

Tedd Ginn

Corey Brown

Jarrett Boykin

 

That last slot is going to be one to watch in camp. Boykin, Bersin, Hill, M. Brown all competing for one position. 

 

Defensive Line (8)

 

Charles Johnson

Kony Ealy

Star Lotulelei 

KK Short

Dwan Edwards

Colin Cole

Frank Alexander

Mario Addison

 

Linebackers (5)

 

Thomas Davis

Luke Kuechly

Adarius Glanton

Shaq Thompson

David Mayo

 

Safeties (4)

 

Roman Harper

Tre Boston

Colin Jones

Robert Lester

 

Jones will be an important piece here, as Shaq Thompson may not be ready for his large nickel role by September. Jones played it pretty well last season, and should only improve with more experience in camp and preseason.

 

Cornerbacks (5)

 

Josh Norman

Bene Benwikere

Teddy Williams

Carrington Byndom

Melvin White

 

I really like the Peters kid out of Clemson, could push Melvin White. 

 

Special Teams (3)

JJ Jansen

Graham Gano

Brad Nortman

 

 

This roster was formulated with the assumption that Dave Gettleman keeps all of his draft picks on the regular roster, which he has done historically. That could change this season as the overall talent on the team increases. For instance,  AJ Klein was a tough call here, but if we assume Mayo is kept he is the odd man out. 

 

There are young guys coming in like Byrd, Peters, Wegher, Ward that have a chance to shake things up on this roster. For instance, if Lee Ward can come in and be a blocking machine in the run game and also contribute on special teams, Richie Brockel may be in trouble. If they do not break into the regular roster, the Panthers will have an even more talented practice squad this season. 

[Navy_football]

Now that rookie camp is over and all the tryout players have been signed, here is how I see the Panthers roster shaking out as of today.

This is by no means set in stone, but a good starting off point for OTA's and Preseason. From here, things can shift depending on individual performances.

Quarterbacks (3)

Cam Newton

Derek Anderson

Joe Webb

I don't see the Panthers letting Webb walk this season. He is just too versatile on the offense and special teams.

Running Backs (4)

Jonathan Stewart

Fozzy Whitaker

Cameron Artis-Payne

Jordan Todman

Todman and Whitaker provide punt and kick return options that this team desperately needs.

Fullbacks (1)

Mike Tolbert

Tight Ends (4)

Greg Olsen

Ed Dickson

Brandon Williams

Richie Brockel

Offensive Line (10)

Michael Oher

Andrew Norwell

Trai Turner

Ryan Kalil

Daryl Williams

Mike Remmers

Jonathan Martin

Nate Chandler

Brian Folkerts

Amini Silatolu

Nate Chandler may have actually improved his value last year, can now backup tackle and guard.

Wide Receivers (6)

Kelvin Benjamin

Devin Funchess

Jerricho Cotchery

Tedd Ginn

Corey Brown

Jarrett Boykin

That last slot is going to be one to watch in camp. Boykin, Bersin, Hill, M. Brown all competing for one position.

Defensive Line (8)

Charles Johnson

Kony Ealy

Star Lotulelei

KK Short

Dwan Edwards

Colin Cole

Frank Alexander

Mario Addison

Linebackers (5)

Thomas Davis

Luke Kuechly

Adarius Glanton

Shaq Thompson

David Mayo

Safeties (4)

Roman Harper

Tre Boston

Colin Jones

Robert Lester

Jones will be an important piece here, as Shaq Thompson may not be ready for his large nickel role by September. Jones played it pretty well last season, and should only improve with more experience in camp and preseason.

Cornerbacks (5)

Josh Norman

Bene Benwikere

Teddy Williams

Carrington Byndom

Melvin White

I really like the Peters kid out of Clemson, could push Melvin White.

Special Teams (3)

JJ Jansen

Graham Gano

Brad Nortman

This roster was formulated with the assumption that Dave Gettleman keeps all of his draft picks on the regular roster, which he has done historically. That could change this season as the overall talent on the team increases. For instance, AJ Klein was a tough call here, but if we assume Mayo is kept he is the odd man out.

There are young guys coming in like Byrd, Peters, Wegher, Ward that have a chance to shake things up on this roster. For instance, if Lee Ward can come in and be a blocking machine in the run game and also contribute on special teams, Richie Brockel may be in trouble. If they do not break into the regular roster, the Panthers will have an even more talented practice squad this season.

What about Tillman? He should bump one of the CBs.

[Jeremy Igo]

What about Tillman? He should bump one of the CBs.

 

Possibly. Close call between him and Teddy Williams. In close calls, I go with youth. 9 seasons separate them. 

 

 

Teddy also provided special teams coverage help. 

[Navy_football]

Possibly. Close call between him and Teddy Williams. In close calls, I go with youth. 9 seasons separate them.

Teddy also provided special teams coverage help.

I agree, but Rivera has an infatuation with vets.

[Hotsauce]

Hog Mollie level 8

[Jeremy Igo]

I agree, but Rivera has an infatuation with vets.

I feel like he may have learned a lesson about that last season. Keeping seasoned vets costs you speed.

[Navy_football]

I feel like he may have learned a lesson about that last season. Keeping seasoned vets costs you speed.

That and enthusiasm. Young and hungry thundercats make a difference in spots. Harder to play with reckless abandon when you're a thirty something year old millionaire with a kid or two.

[UpstatePanther]

I feel like he may have learned a lesson about that last season. Keeping seasoned vets costs you speed.

I noticed you didn't mention Damiere Byrd. did he just slip your mind or is he a long shot for that 6th spot?

also, do you think it's possible the Panthers keep 7 WR?

[PrimoX]

So you think Tillman will be cut? What about Wes Horton ? That would be tough seeing A.J leave this soon too

[Mol3m4n]

I feel like Brockel is already finished.

[Jeremy Igo]

I noticed you didn't mention Damiere Byrd. did he just slip your mind or is he a long shot for that 6th spot?

also, do you think it's possible the Panthers keep 7 WR?

Mentioned Byrd at the bottom. Could push for a spot but practice squad likely.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Have a hard time thinking Tillman and Coleman don't make the roster

[DOMOMAN]

Is Swole Bones in danger? It feels like every year we hear he is close to getting over the hump, if he doesn't show enough  improvement this camp will he be in the risk zone regarding cuts?

[Jeremy Igo]

Is Swole Bones in danger? It feels like every year we hear he is close to getting over the hump, if he doesn't show enough improvement this camp will he be in the risk zone regarding cuts?

Definitely a make or break camp for him.