[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.
PUSH
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.
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.
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.
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.
BETTER
Turner and Norwell could help form the interior of the line for years.
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.
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.
PUSH
Trusnik is kind of the new Blackburn, and while Glanton showed flashes late last year, there’s not a marked difference here.
BETTER
This unit still needs help, but Norman’s development and Benwikere’s talent equal two solid pieces for 2015.
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.
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.