An Alternative Roster Projection - The Youth Movement

[Jeremy Igo]

There has been a lot of talk about the Panthers roster at certain positions and the likelihood of some of the bubble players making the team. 

But what if the Panthers decided to go all out and install another youth movement on the Panthers roster. Here is what it could look like.... 

 

Offense - 26

Quarterback - 3
Cam Newton
Derek Anderson
Joe Webb

Note: Panthers can keep all three QBs still as they have said they would.  

Running Back - 4
Jonathan Stewart
Cameron Artis-Payne
Jordan Todman
Brandon Wegher

Note: Possibly the strongest lineup ever seen from top to bottom in this group. A lot of people see Wegher as in a roster competition with the other backs. He is not. His actual competition comes from one of the linebackers.... Jason Trusnik. Wegher wins the position by filling the special teams designated roster spot that Rivera has alluded to multiple times. Wegher has looked fantastic in special teams this preseason. 

Fullback - 1
Lee Ward

Note: Not a popular move with most fans, but Ward could possibly move the pile on the 3rd or 4th and short. 

Tight End - 3
Greg Olsen
Ed Dickson
Marcus Lucas

Note: Could be Simonson here instead of Lucas. Simonson looked pretty good against the Dolphins. 

Wide Receiver - 6
Devin Funchess
Corey Brown
Ted Ginn
Brenton Bersin
Jarrett Boykin
Damiere Byrd

Note: The youth movement is strong here. Good mix of size and speed with fresh legs all season long. Cotchery is the odd man out. 

Offensive Line - 9
Michael Oher
Andrew Norwell
Ryan Kalil
Trai Turner
Mike Remmers
Daryl Williams
Chris Scott
Amini Silatolu 
Nate Chandler

Note: Nothing changed here. 

Defense: 24

Defensive Line - 9
Charles Johnson
Star Lotulelei 
Kawaan Short
Kony Ealy
Dwan Edwards
Mario Addison
Kyle Love
Terry Redden
Rakim Cox

Note: Cox replaces Alexander. The rookie Redden over Colin Cole. Cole is one of the oldest players on the roster currently. 

Linebacker - 5
Thomas Davis
Luke Kuechly
Shaq Thompson
AJ Klein
David Mayo

Note: Jason Trusnik removed here. AJ Klein allows the Panthers to keep only 5 linebackers with his ability to play every position as a backup. 

Safety - 4
Roman Harper
Tre Boston
Kurt Coleman
Colin Jones

Corners - 6
Josh Norman
Bene Benwikere
Charles Tillman
Teddy Williams
Melvin White
Carrington Byndom

Note: Byndom quietly impressive Saturday night. 

Special Teams - 3

Kicker - Graham Gano
Punter - Brad Nortman
Long Snapper - JJ Jansen 

Practice Squad - 7
David Foucault
Adarius Glanton
Dean Marlowe
Martin Wallace
TJ Heath

 

So what do you think, would this be a Panthers roster that a) you could get behind and support fully and b ) has a chance to win? 

View full article

[Panthro]

We also get a comp pick if we release Trusnik  instead Wegher as Trusnik counts as a Free Agent signed. That could be a 3rd rounder if Hardy doesn't go off and get suspended again

[tondi]

I know that roster scenario is meant to be a bit of an extreme example of going all in on youth but, looking over it, it really makes the most sense from a "what they've done so far this year" perspective.  It also sets us up nicely for the future with guys we can plan on being here long term.  All this without really giving up anything, at least from a performance perspective thus far this year.  I doubt we see all those moves happen but hopefully most of them will.  I think it would be for both the long and short term benefit to the team.

[panther4life]

I like it. However I think we keep 6 LB's and Glanton is the 6th. Also can't see them dropping Cotchery. So Byrd wouldn't make it. Lastly I'd prefer 5 DE's over 5 DT's. So drop Redden and give his spot back to Horton. 

I also want very badly for Nate Chandler not to waste a roster spot as well. I'd replace him with either Travis Henry or Brian Folkerts. 

I soured on Teddy Williams after the Buffalo game but he redeemed himself against the Dolphins. Really think we could get away with 5 corners and allocate his spot to someone else.

[L-TownCat]

I love this roster.  Bummed about Tolbert but the novelty of the Toldozer has worn off a bit.  Dont think I would lose much sleep especially if Ward is the replacement.

[Carolina Cajun]

I think that group can and will win.  I don't like Cotchery, but I would keep him over Byrd at this point because with KB gone, his presence is necessary for Funchess's sake.  The other reason is I feel we'll be able to move Byrd to the PS, I'm not sure anymore about Ward, and I'd almost guarantee that Wegher doesn't make it to our PS without getting gobbled up given his preseason performance and spotlight on the show undrafted.  We have no way to hide him,  Wegher HAS to be on our 53 if we want to keep him.

[panther4life]

BTW has Tolbert done anything impressive at Camp at all? His preseason performance indicates he's fallen off quite a bit. Have a hard time seeing them let him go, but really don't think we'd miss him.

Not to mention that 2.4 Million in savings we'd get by cutting him a year early.

Edited August 24, 2015 by panther4life

[ncsu12engr]

I like this a lot. Cutting Tolbert is something that I think needs to happen. He is going to continue to get more playing time than he deserves because of his reputation with the coaching staff. He has looked slow this year and I don't see him coming back to his 2013 form.

[Dunn]

Since SwoleBones has been out all preseason, Im guessing there is just no chance he can make the squad?  Too bad but understandable.

[pstall]

If you have a down year due to no KB and a high draftt pick, you come out ahead  of game experiences and now increase your options with your pick.

[panther4life]

So went over to http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/cap/ and Tolbert has the 8th highest cap hit this year. 

He needs to go.

For those who aren't already aware, you can take their cap hit minus the dead money listed and you will see the savings of cutting a player this year.

[VerticalThreat]

REALLY like this projection and could most definitely get behind it. I think that "going young" wouldn't be all that bad for this team, since there are vets and supporting cast in every position group to get the young guys over the hump. 

Because of RR's commitment to veteran players, I don't see something to this extent, but they way DG sees the makeup of a team (in his 5-year plan) I could see some of these changes happening. We get younger, cheaper and these young UDFAs get valuable experience and it becomes their team. 

[AviationMX]

it's the best scenario for this year and the future. remember it was the same moves that saved our season last year.

unlike others here, I'll take speed in the receiver core over experience, getting open downfield helps Cam and the running game. and we have Ricky to improve technique. you can't teach speed....

10-6 if our D can score some points.

 

[dksmith17]

Has Wegher received any reps at KR in practice?

He was a KR at Iowa IIRC