NFL teams will start Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week. It is not mandatory, but helps the new players get acclimated to their new teammates and coaches. This will be extremely helpful for the Carolina Panthers because they have a brand new quarterback, Sam Darnold, first year players and veteran free agents.
The Panthers OTAs are scheduled for May 24-25, June 1-3, June 7-10 and Mandatory Minicamp is June 15-17.
The Panthers’ roster break-down has not been announced and it probably won’t be set in stone until a week before the season opens. There are some must see competitions happening between the players. Here are several position battles to keep your eye on.
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold is the for sure starter, but P.J. Walker, Will Grier and Tommy Stevens are competing to be his backup. One of them will most likely be cut or sent to practice squad. Walker will most likely be the backup because it will take a lot for Grier or Stevens to knock him off.
Wide Receivers
The position with the most depth and talent is the wide receiver position for the Panthers. DJ Moore and Robby Anderson are the top two receivers for the team, but offensive coordinator Joe Brady says there’s room for a third receiver to get a lot of the snaps. There are two wide receivers that are the favorites for the third spot left by Curtis Samuel who was lost in free agency, David Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. Shi Smith is another interesting prospect.
Tight Ends
Tight End is a position that is completely open for the Panthers. The starting position does not have a clear cut favorite, so whoever has the best offseason should win the job. The top two favorites for the position are Dan Arnold and Tommy Tremble. It will be hard for TE Ian Thomas to make the roster because of last years’ performance or lack of.
Linebackers
Just like TE, the linebackers’ position is a complete free for all. Denzel Perryman was brought in to sure-up the middle linebacker position. Christian Miller, Clay Johnston and Paddy Fisher could all see time, depending on how their practices and workouts proceed. Veteran Shaq Thompson will likely take back his position to stop the running game. The OTAs will help determine if the team can trust their linebackers.
Safeties
The Panthers parted ways with Tre Boston, which leaves a hole for the safety spot. Justin Burris should be able to maintain his position as free safety but it’s not definite. They should be able to use Jeremy Chinn in a lot of different ways but he is dependent on his teammates to step up their game. These players are going to have to have a strong camp to impress their coaches Matt Rhule and Phil Snow.
