Despite having probably the most easy-to-hate quarterback (and possibly player) in the league in Cam Newton and a relatively darker team, the Panthers are a team to root for mostly because of three players - college sensation, caste-busting, dynamic, versatile running back Christian McCaffrey, the best linebacker in the NFL, Luke Kuechly, and one of the best tight ends, Greg Olsen. The Panthers have a 3/5 starting OL with two backups, and good linebacker depth with three backups who will hopefully see some playing time. Second-string FS Colin Jones only played 13 snaps on defense in 2016 (269 on special teams), so hopefully he can get more playing time in 2017.
QB: Derek Anderson
RB: Christian McCaffrey (also PR)
TE: Greg Olsen, Chris Manhertz
OL: Matt Kalil, Andrew Norwell, Ryan Kalil, Greg Van Roten, Tyler Larsen
LB: Luke Kuechly, Jared Norris, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs
FS: Colin Jones
Special Teams: K Graham Gano, K Harrison Butker, P Michael Palardy, LS JJ Jansen
Practice Squad: QB Garrett Gilbert
Injury Reserve: QB Gino Gradkowski, WR Brenton Bersin, OT Dan France
Starters: 5 (will be 6 by the end of the season)
On 53-man roster: 19
Overall, not very good at all in terms of starters, but some nice LB depth and three superstar white players makes the Panthers a team to watch and, at times, support.
QB: Derek Anderson
RB: Christian McCaffrey (also PR)
TE: Greg Olsen, Chris Manhertz
OL: Matt Kalil, Andrew Norwell, Ryan Kalil, Greg Van Roten, Tyler Larsen
LB: Luke Kuechly, Jared Norris, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs
FS: Colin Jones
Special Teams: K Graham Gano, K Harrison Butker, P Michael Palardy, LS JJ Jansen
Practice Squad: QB Garrett Gilbert
Injury Reserve: QB Gino Gradkowski, WR Brenton Bersin, OT Dan France
Starters: 5 (will be 6 by the end of the season)
On 53-man roster: 19
Overall, not very good at all in terms of starters, but some nice LB depth and three superstar white players makes the Panthers a team to watch and, at times, support.