The Carolina Panthers will begin training camp in Charlotte in a little more than a week, and despite all of the anticipated improvements, there are a lot of worries about the current roster composition.
These are my top six worries as the Panthers prepare for training camp.
1. The Evolution of Bryce Young
While there are other significant aspects of the operation, none of them compare to the significance of Bryce Young’s development. It will tell the story of the 2024 season as a whole, including training camp. Is he a player that Dave Canales can maximise as he did with Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith? Raise the alarm if Young struggles once more.
2. Depth Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson is a wonderful, established asset to have alongside Adam Thielen, and rookie Xavier Legette has a lot of promise. But there are more questions than answers after those three. Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo, two former second round picks, need to do something during the preseason in order for Carolina to consider adding players via waivers.
3. Production at the Tight End
Carolina has been looking for a tight end solution for years. In their brief time with the organisation, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Hayden Hurst, and a few others have either succeeded or failed. Though he has to improve, rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders is now the team’s biggest receiving threat at the position.
4. Ikem Ekwonu
Ikem Ekwonu has had a difficult time throughout his first two years in the league. While there have been moments when he appeared to be a starting left tackle, they have been seldom. In addition to needing to defend Bryce Young far more effectively, the Panthers may need to think of other choices if Ekwonu’s problems persist in year three, depending on how bad they are.
5. Depth of Defensive Lines
A’Shawn Robinson, Derrick Brown, and Shy Tuttle form a formidable defensive line. However, I think the second and third groups are poor. I’m not a big fan of TJ Smith, Nick Thurman, or LaBryan Ray. Furthermore, I doubt Jaden Crumedy will make a significant contribution early in his career either.
6. Cornerback
To replace Donte Jackson in the starting lineup, Dane Jackson was signed as a free agent. In light of Jaycee Horn’s history of injuries, not many Panthers supporters are feeling confident about the corner position. Carolina still has a tight corner rotation even if Jackson decides to show everyone incorrect.
