Depth chart

[Chardee MacDennis]

Ok, looking at the current roster, what would we say are the top spots that need an upgrade, or to get younger/better?

I'm looking at it from the standpoint of this season is over, for the purpose of trades. We have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds, and free agency to consider. Basically, what do we need for next season to still contend while continuing to build for the future?

Let's break this down by position...

QB: Cam- ok he has struggled but maybe he can return to pro bowl form?

Anderson- not a part of future and should go.

Gilbert- meh? Career third string QB.

Assessment- must find a backup QB to groom for the future. Or at least a serviceable second string vet in free agency. 

RB: Stew- on his last leg. Should only play sparingly going forward and only if OLine is fixed. Most likely he will play out this contract and retire.

CMC- can be used as a RB, or WR. Versatile, intriguing piece to the future.

CAP- young, but not starter talent IMO. Should be given a chance this year to prove himself and if he doesn't show capable of starting, should be a career 3rd string RB.

Fozzy- career 3rd down, pass catching back. Doesn't really, and shouldn't, have a spot on this team. Not part of the future. 

Curtis Samuel- have to use him and get him the ball so he can make plays.

Assessment- 2 young, 21 year old versatile weapons, no clear cut starting capable power back. This position needs to be addressed with a vet starting RB in free agency, and Fozzy/CAP should be let go if CAP doesn't show up when given the chance.

TE: Olsen- has a few good years left, hopefully can come back from injury in top form. 

Dixon- decent but won't be around forever.

Manhertz- yeah don't know much about him but not terrible I guess?

Assessment- not sure this is a pure area of need right now with the emergence of Dixon in the passing game, and Manhertz looking somewhat capable. Will need to address the position someday, but not for at least another season.

WR: Funchess- solid, #2 WR. Won't be able to beat the top CBs of the league, but young and talented. 

Shepard- #3 WR at best. 

Samuel- versatile, young weapon who needs to be given more chances. Big part of the future in my opinion. Never a #1 option but a solid #2. Between Samuel and Funchess, there are potentially 2 #2s of the future.

CMC- best WR option in short passing game, and should remain that way.

Assessment- Shepard is a good stop gap and someone who can teach Samuel the ropes a bit. 3 young talented versatile guys. There is definitely a need for a true #1 guy who can simply get open and make plays. Must be addressed in draft or free agency. 

OL- as a group, they are a mixed bag. Is Moron a future RT? If so, is Williams a future LT? If not, one needs to be traded for other needs. No reason to have 2 solid young RT prospects at the same time. Kalils should both retire. Larsen is decent but is he the future? Turner has RG locked down. What to do with Norwell? I think the OL needs help at C, LG, and LT. Blend of free agents and draft picks.

Kicker and Punter- I like Palardy, and suppose he'll do the trick. Gano is blah, should have kept Butker. But as long as we aren't losing games due to missed FGs, I'm fine.

DL- like the group, but need to see if Butler is a future piece or not. Same with Hall. If they can develop into 2 starters, then Star can be let go, and we will need a young DE from the draft. Otherwise, fine here.

LB- just need to find a long term replacement for TD, but otherwise things are good. 

CB- get a solid #2 Starter, and we are good to go.

S- need a starter next to Coleman and some better depth. 

So, I see the following needs:

1) backup QB either to groom from draft or a vet

2) starting capable RB1.

3) starting capable WR1.

4-6) starters at C, LG, and LT.

7) Young DE to groom.

8) Young LB to groom.

9) starting capable CB2.

10) starting capable S.

That is 10 players in my opinion who are needed to bring this team into true super bowl contention, while still having a good eye on the future. Assume 3-4 of them come from the draft, if we are lucky. That means 6 free agents or players who develop from the practice squad. Meaning, if the Panthers don't figure this out quick in the off-season, we are in for another year of mediocrity and no direction. New HC, new OC, new GM also required. 

 

That is all. 

[X-Clown on 1]

You forgot we added a 3rd and a 7th to put more speed on the field.

[*FreeFua*]

“Funchess - won’t be able to beat the top corners in the league”

 

Annnnd here lies the real problem with the KB trade. KB scores touchdowns on teams number 1’s. Now this job will be given to a guy who hasn’t been able to do anything while facing teams 2’s...