[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”]The Panthers’ roster isn’t yet good enough to make you confident Carolina can win the Super Bowl, or even beat the Seahawks. But it is better than it was last year at this time, and for a team that’s had limited money to spend while also planning for the future, the improvement is important to see.To get a sense of now compared to last spring, let’s break it down by position and look at April 1, 2014 vs. April 1, 2015. Each group will get a BETTER, WORSE or PUSH grade, plus some notes when warranted.
QUARTERBACKS
PUSH
RUNNING BACKS
WORSE
Whittaker, Todman, and Reaves have some potential, but Williams was the best back in franchise history whose body hadn’t yet failed him in the upcoming season.
RECEIVERS
BETTER
Jason Avant isn’t on last year’s list since he didn’t sign until April 8. But this isn’t close. Even though there’s a glaring hole for a No. 2 wideout, the depth of this unit is especially improved.
TIGHT ENDS
BETTER
This comparison is a bit out of whack since Dickson signed on April 10. But now that he’s been in the Panthers’ offense for a season, this group is a bit better.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
BETTER
There’s no guarantee Oher and/or Martin will revitalize their careers in Carolina, but they have a better chance to work out than last year’s bunch did.
CENTERS/GUARDS
BETTER
Turner and Norwell could help form the interior of the line for years.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
WORSE
Ealy’s addition is nice, but even though Hardy played just one game in 2014, there’s a huge hole where he used to be.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
BETTER
Like the tight ends, this one’s a bit unfair because Cole signed on April 9. But Love also gives this year’s group that much more depth.
LINEBACKERS
PUSH
Trusnik is kind of the new Blackburn, and while Glanton showed flashes late last year, there’s not a marked difference here.
CORNERBACKS
BETTER
This unit still needs help, but Norman’s development and Benwikere’s talent equal two solid pieces for 2015.
SAFETIES
BETTER
Godfrey hadn’t yet been moved to cornerback and Thomas DeCoud signed April 11. This year’s group isn’t great, but it’s improved.
SPECIAL TEAMS
BETTER
Going off the official roster, which does not designate kickoff and punt returners, this was originally a push. But a commenter made a good point about including those positions, so this group overall – which includes guys like Teddy Williams and Jason Trusnik – has been upgraded.
Final tally: BETTER – 8, WORSE – 2, PUSH – 2
The Panthers still have a number of needs, most notably a No. 2 running back and receiver, a to-be-groomed offensive tackle, a defensive end and a cornerback. But the roster has gotten better since last spring, and that doesn’t include nine draft picks, undrafted free agents and potentially more veteran free agent additions in the coming months.
LOL, while this is wonderful, I think a big “better” would be our change in special teams coordinator. That’s like an all-caps better. We have the pieces for a great team, we don’t however have the coaching staff for that.
LOL, while this is wonderful, I think a big “better” would be our change in special teams coordinator. That’s like an all-caps better. We have the pieces for a great team, we don’t however have the coaching staff for that.
Why is our kicker, punter, and long snapper the only ones mentioned in Special Teams? How do you not consider adding Ginn and Todman an upgrade for special teams? Not to mention the guys we added to help defend kick/punt return. I would say the Panthers have done more this off season to improve Special Teams than any other group.
Valid point about the returners, which aren’t marked on official roster. Made change above. Thanks for the feedback.
Why is our kicker, punter, and long snapper the only ones mentioned in Special Teams? How do you not consider adding Ginn and Todman an upgrade for special teams? Not to mention the guys we added to help defend kick/punt return. I would say the Panthers have done more this off season to improve Special Teams than any other group.
Valid point about the returners, which aren’t marked on official roster. Made change above. Thanks for the feedback.
The entire piece is like saying a torn ACL is BETTER than a total need replacement.
I would say it’s more like you know you need a knee replacement but can only afford an ACL surgery. In other words, we are doing the best with can with the current cap situation.
The entire piece is like saying a torn ACL is BETTER than a total need replacement.
I would say it’s more like you know you need a knee replacement but can only afford an ACL surgery. In other words, we are doing the best with can with the current cap situation.
I’m wondering why people aren’t considering Whittaker a viable RB2. Now, I admit I wouldn’t want to start him every week if (when) Stewart gets hurt, but I think the guy could thrive with 8-10 touches a game.
Because Fozzy is an unproven #3 RB (only 5’10, 205), with 1 very poor season, and 1 OK season (with the Panthers). So, which player shows up in 2015?
2012 – Un-drafted and didn’t play (probably the result of a very serious knee injury as a senior at Texas)
2013 – 29 carries, 2.8 YPC, and 21 catches, for 7.4 YPR, with the Browns
2014 – 32 carries, 4.5 YPC, and 5 catches, for 12.0 YPR, with the Panthers
Fozzy has yet to demonstrate any ability to be a featured RB, or even a part of a 2 RB rotation, he’s just a #3 RB, who can’t handle a full work load.
I would agree with Panthers/Truth. Fozzy was a good player at Texas before getting hurt, so we know he has potential. But, the verdict is still out. He’s going to hang around on the roster at least until final cuts, but he’s not someone to have confidence in just yet so if an upgrade can be found, you have to entertain that upgrade.
I’m wondering why people aren’t considering Whittaker a viable RB2. Now, I admit I wouldn’t want to start him every week if (when) Stewart gets hurt, but I think the guy could thrive with 8-10 touches a game.
Because Fozzy is an unproven #3 RB (only 5’10, 205), with 1 very poor season, and 1 OK season (with the Panthers). So, which player shows up in 2015?
2012 – Un-drafted and didn’t play (probably the result of a very serious knee injury as a senior at Texas)
2013 – 29 carries, 2.8 YPC, and 21 catches, for 7.4 YPR, with the Browns
2014 – 32 carries, 4.5 YPC, and 5 catches, for 12.0 YPR, with the Panthers
Fozzy has yet to demonstrate any ability to be a featured RB, or even a part of a 2 RB rotation, he’s just a #3 RB, who can’t handle a full work load.
I would agree with Panthers/Truth. Fozzy was a good player at Texas before getting hurt, so we know he has potential. But, the verdict is still out. He’s going to hang around on the roster at least until final cuts, but he’s not someone to have confidence in just yet so if an upgrade can be found, you have to entertain that upgrade.
Thanks for the article. IMO the RB position is a PUSH, but overall this is really accurate. Deangelo has been in a steady decline since like 2011.
I think playtime is major factor, I agree with push. Not to mention the o line being better makes the RB group better.
Thanks for the article. IMO the RB position is a PUSH, but overall this is really accurate. Deangelo has been in a steady decline since like 2011.
I think playtime is major factor, I agree with push. Not to mention the o line being better makes the RB group better.
We are much better then last season. It will be even better after the draft going to be a great season
We are much better then last season. It will be even better after the draft going to be a great season
Thanks for all your insightful work Bill. What will you remember most about the Phillipkeith Manley era?
Thanks for all your insightful work Bill. What will you remember most about the Phillipkeith Manley era?
I like what the Panthers have done this FA. They have set up a good competition for their positions of need and can now draft the BPA in the draft.
I like what the Panthers have done this FA. They have set up a good competition for their positions of need and can now draft the BPA in the draft.
Definitively better since bell, decoud, and the other garbage players are gone. We can’t be anyworse!
Definitively better since bell, decoud, and the other garbage players are gone. We can’t be anyworse!
Pass rushers and running backs are our formula for success. We have to chase Ryan and Brees and keep the ball out of their hands to stay atop NFC South.
Pass rushers and running backs are our formula for success. We have to chase Ryan and Brees and keep the ball out of their hands to stay atop NFC South.