One season removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the Carolina Panthers are looking for another playoff run in 2017. The NFC South is no longer the laughing stock it once was. A division filled with talented quarterbacks such as Matt Ryan (MVP last season), Drew Brees (led the league in passing yards), Jameis Winston, and Cam Newton (MVP two seasons ago), it’s no wonder these four teams have statistically bad pass defenses.
The Carolina Panthers have made questionable moves this offseason. How do you fire your GM in late July?
Dave Gettleman took over a team four years removed from a winning season in horrific cap shape and went 40-23-1 with three division titles.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) July 17, 2017
My guess is after letting Steve Smtih Sr., Josh Norman, and DeAngelo Williams walk, Jerry Richardson had enough. Still, a team without a GM has some leadership question marks, no?
Key 2017 Losses:
Tedd Ginn Jr. (WR) – New Orleans Saints
Mike Remmers (OT) – Minnesota Vikings
Kony Ealy (DE) – trade in the draft with New England Patriots
While some people look at this list and say, “If your biggest loss in free agency is Tedd Ginn Jr., you have it pretty good.” Ginn Jr. added great value to this offense, especially in his last two seasons where he totaled 98 receptions, 1,491 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. As a complementary receiver, those will be tough numbers to replace.
Key 2017 Additions:
Mike Adams (SS) – from the Indianapolis Colts
Captain Munnerlyn (CB) – from the Minnesota Vikings
Christian McCaffrey (RB) – 2017 NFL Draft (Stanford)
Curtis Samuel (WR) – 2017 NFL Draft (Ohio State)
Here’s what you should keep up with during the Panthers training camp.
3 Position Battles to Watch
1. Running Back
The Panthers most interesting training camp positional battle is between Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey. When the Carolina Panthers drafted McCaffrey 8th overall, it was obvious they fully intend on making him the future. Stewart becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019. Depending on how McCaffrey plays in 2017, maybe the Panthers try to move Stewart this offseason?
2. Defensive Tackle
The Carolina Panthers seem to always have a top defensive line. Currently, Kawaan Short and Star Lotulelei are listed as the starting defensive tackles. Vernon Butler is listed directly behind Short on the depth chart, but I think he could battle Lotulelei for the left defensive tackle position. Kawaan Short signed a huge multi-year deal, so he is staying put. However, Vernon Butler has the mentality that every good defensive player covets: he seeks contact. I think Butler makes a legitimate push on that defensive front this training camp.
3. Cornerback
In 2016, the Panthers drafted cornerbacks in consecutive rounds. James Bradberry was selected in the second round out of Samford and Daryl Worley was selected in the third round out of West Virginia. It does not come as a surprise that the Panthers ranked 29th overall in pass defense a season ago as they started two rookies after losing Josh Norman. As of today, Bradberry is listed as the left starting cornerback opposite of Captain Munnerlyn. Look for Worley and Bradberry to continue to battle throughout camp for that starting left cornerback position.
Ready To Break Out: Vernon Butler
Vernon Butler is in a great situation. Year after year the Carolina Panthers bolster one of the top defensive fronts in all of football. What makes a great defensive line is its depth and rotation. The more playmakers you have rushing the quarterback, the higher success rate at getting to him. Vernon Butler may not start early on, but he is a player ready to take the next step.
Fantasy Sleeper: Kelvin Benjamin
Kelvin Benjamin hauled in 53% of his catches in the red zone for three touchdowns in 2016. While Newton does not target Benjamin as much as Olsen in the red zone, Benjamin scored more touchdowns on fewer passes. Benjamin does not record many receptions, but he does record touchdowns (16 TDs in his first 2 seasons). In deep leagues, he makes a good solid number two option. Everyone wants a receiver that has a nose for the end zone.
Rookie To Watch: Christian McCaffrey
I am interested to see how the Panthers will manage McCaffrey. He has the ability to be an every down running back, line up as a slot receiver, and return punts/kickoffs. Is that how the Panthers will use him? That has yet to be determined. Which is why I cannot wait to watch him perform on Sundays.
The Panthers still need to improve their roster to be competitive in the NFC South. I see them finishing third in the division; ahead of the New Orleans Saints.
