The final cuts are in. SportsCarolina Monthly takes a look at the 2016 53 man roster of the Carolina Panthers….
QUARTERBACKS (3): Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb
Same three guys as year before. Cam Newton is one of the most durable QBs in the game, Derek Anderson is a top 3 backup QB and Joe Webb is a great guy to have as a #3 option that can play special teams as well. No surprises here.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron Artis-Payne
Look for a much expanded role for Cameron Artis-Payne this year. Stewart should get 15-20 carries a game, Artis Payne should get around 10+ touches a game himself. Strong unit.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Kelvin Benjamin, Ted Ginn, Jr., Devin Funchess, Philly Brown, Brenton Bersin, Damiere Byrd
Benjamin, Ginn, Funchess, Brown were locks. Newton loves Bersin so he had an inside track. Byrd impressed with his 4.3 speed this preseason to get the final spot. A form weakness, the WR corp for the Panthers has possibly never been as strong as it will be in 2016 in the franchise history top to bottom.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Scott Simonson
Olsen and Dickson were locks. Simonson gets the nob ahead of Marcus Lucas and 7th round pick Beau Sandland.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Ryan Kalil (C), Michael Oher (OT), Mike Remmers (OT), Trai Turner (G), Andrew Norwell (G), Gino Gradkowski (C), Daryl Williams (OT), Donald Hawkins (OT), Tyler Larsen (G)
The starting line from last yer will return. Remmers and Oher will look to shake off a bad SuperBowl performance. With Remmers in the lineup, the Panthers are 22-4 since 2014. Gradkowski or Williams could help at guard if need be.
DEFENSIVE ENDS (5): Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Mario Addison, Ryan Delaire, Wes Horton
Actually one of the weak spots of the team. Johnson returned to team on a cap friendly deal after being cut in the offseason. Hes lost 15 lbs and looks ready to contribute, having made it through training camp without injury for the first time in 2 seasons. Ealy will be looked upon to fill the role on the right side of the line that hasnt been filled since Greg Hardy was dismissed from the team. Addison and Horton will be pass/run specialists.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES (4): Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short, Paul Soliai, Vernon Butler
So much talent in this group, it didnt leave room for a fifth spot for Kyle Love, a quality player. Lotulelei and Short compose the best DT combo in the league. Watch out for 1st round pick Vernon Butler. Dave Gettleman tends to hit big on his first round picks.
LINEBACKERS (7): Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Shaq Thompson, A.J. Klein, David Mayo, Jeremy Cash, Jared Norris
Not much surprise here, other than former Duke standout Jeremy Cash making the 53 man roster. Look for him to contribute on special teams. Kuechly, Davis and Thompson may be the best LB unit in the entire NFL. Thompson in particular looks to make a massive leap this year. Klein and Mayo will be extra depth and great backups. Solid unit.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (9): James Bradberry (CB), Daryl Worley (CB), Kurt Coleman (S), Tre Boston (S), Bene Benwikere (CB), Robert McClain (CB), Teddy Williams (CB), Colin Jones (S), Dean Marlowe (S)
Probably the biggest surprise of cut day was the decision to part ways with Sanchez, the Panthers’ fifth-round rookie, but two veterans that the Panthers felt like they had to keep sealed his fate. The Panthers need Robert McClain, a veteran corner standing at the ready if a rookie starter stumbles, and Teddy Williams beat Sanchez out because of his special teams acumen and difference-making speed.
SPECIALISTS (3): Graham Gano, Andy Lee, J.J. Jansen
Lee is the newest member of the “Bomb Squad” arriving via trade with Cleveland. The former all pro punter should fit right in with the field position, clock management style of the Panthers.
