No NFL team went through more significant changes than the Panthers this offseason. During the Ron Rivera era, their success was founded on an elite defensive front seven, a run-first offensive philosophy and frequently getting bailed out by a gifted athlete at quarterback.
The formula to win games for Matt Rhule is going to have to be different. Let’s reorient ourselves with the state of the roster by ranking each position group on the team, starting with the strongest unit.
1. Wide receiver
Starters: D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel
Backups: Seth Roberts, Keith Kirkwood, Pharoh Cooper, Omar Bayless, Brandon Zylstra, DeAndrew White, Ishmael Hyman, Damion Jeanpiere, TreVontae Hights
Analysis: Rhule told reporters a while back that sometimes teams need to rely on their fastball. Right now, Carolina’s fastball is definitely this wide receiver corps, which is as fast and deep as any in the NFL. Moore came on strong late in 2019 and might develop into an elite wideout in year three. Samuel remains a terrifically underrated deep threat and the addition of Anderson completes a solid 1-3. There’s also some sleeper potential in Cooper and Bayless, who should make the team. To reach their full potential, they’ll need good pass protection up front and an aggressive game-plan. However, for sheer talent these receivers can compete with anyone.