Projecting the final roster …

 

Quarterbacks — 3

 

Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb

 

As we know by now, Webb is more Swiss Army knife than quarterback.

 

Running Backs — 5

 

Jonathan Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron Artis-Payne, Mike Tolbert, Brandon Wegher

 

The Panthers remain intrigued by Wegher’s potential as a running back, but his spot would come via special teams.

 

Wide Receivers — 6

 

Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown, Brenton Bersin, Damiere Byrd

 

Coaches hope Bersin will fill the Jerricho Cotchery role, and I’m guessing Ricky Proehl would have heartburn if Byrd were set free.

For what it’s worth, here’s a couple comments from Friday night:

Byrd — “I think that this year I really upped my game and I made a tough decision for these cuts come Saturday.”

Bersin — “It’s my fifth camp, and sometimes you think you’ve got a lock and then you don’t, so I don’t try to worry about that. I can’t control it.”

 

Tight Ends — 3

 

Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Scott Simonson

 

Make room for a sixth receiver by keeping just three tight ends. Simonson’s seemed destined for a spot since early in training camp.

 

Offensive Linemen — 9

 

Ryan Kalil (C), Gino Gradkowski (C/G), Michael Oher (T), Mike Remmers (T), Daryl Williams (T), Donald Hawkins (T), Trai Turner (G), Andrew Norwell (G), Chris Scott (G/T)

 

Gettleman included guard David Yankey on his list of preseason “pleasant surprises,” but that feels more like practice squad potential.