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+--- Thread: NFC SOUTH PROJECTED STARTERS - PANTHERS (/showthread.php?tid=1052)
NFC SOUTH PROJECTED STARTERS - PANTHERS - PantherFan007 - 05-17-2023
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-south-projected-starters-for-2023-nfl-season-falcons-go-old-school-bryce-you
OFFENSE PLAYER
QB Bryce Young
RB Miles Sanders
WR DJ Chark
WR Adam Thielen
WR Jonathan Mingo
TE Hayden Hurst
LT Ikem Ekwonu
LG Brady Christensen
C Bradley Bozeman
RG Cade Mays
RT Taylor Moton
DEFENSE PLAYER
DE Derrick Brown
DT Shy Tuttle
Edge Brian Burns
Edge Yetur Gross-Matos
MLB Shaq Thompson
OLB Frankie Luvu
CB Jaycee Horn
CB Donte Jackson
Slot Jeremy Chinn
S Vonn Bell
S Xavier Woods
- Bryce Young joins a situation that is better than what awaits most quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall. Frank Reich is a proven play-caller and quarterback tutor. The offensive line and defense should be strengths. I even like Andy Dalton as the mentor in the QB room.
- There's also the fact that, unlike most teams picking first in a draft, the Panthers are coming off a seven-win season. But the depth chart at receiver is evidence things are not perfect.
- In DJ Chark, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall, at least the Panthers have four legitimate rotation receivers. It's just that they might all be third options on a better team.
- Mingo has No. 1 potential as a true X receiver, but it's a lot to ask him to thrive in that role as a rookie.
- It wouldn't be a surprise if the Panthers added another veteran running back during camp behind Miles Sanders. Chuba Hubbard is the current backup.
- The offensive line made big strides last season, including Ikem Ekwonu improving after a slow start at left tackle. The problem is that potential starters at guard Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen are coming off serious injuries.
- Brian Burns is another key player whose status is uncertain for the start of the year, because of ankle surgery. New defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could have a bumpy transition, because the Panthers are thin at edge rusher.
- As third-round picks go, DJ Johnson has a chance to have a big role. He's crazy athletic. If Burns isn't ready to start the season, some combination of Johnson, Marquis Haynes and Yetur Gross-Matos are the top options to start on the edge.
- Evero was fantastic in Denver. But he wants to run a 3-4 defense, and there could be an adjustment period as the Panthers bring in players to fit his system. The focus this offseason was more on the offense.
- At least there's a lot to work with in the secondary. Vonn Bell was signed partly to free Jeremy Chinn up as the team's nickel defender. Cornerback Jaycee Horn is a future star, and Donte Jackson is a reliable starter.
- The offense should be catching up to the defense in Carolina this season, but they have a long way to go. Young will have to hit the ground running if the Panthers are to have a chance at contention.