Carolina Panthers depth chart post 2024 NFL Draft

Starter : Bryce Young
Backup : Andy Dalton, Jack Plummer

Analysis: Not much has changed in the Panthers' quarterback room. There was thought Carolina could select a signal-caller on Day 3. Instead, Carolina opted to sign Jack Plummer as an undrafted free agent. Time will tell if he makes the roster. I expect Carolina could opt for a veteran to fill a third quarterback slot. 

Running back (3)

Starter : Chuba Hubbard
Backup : Jonathon Brooks, Miles Sanders

Analysis: Hubbard, who recently said he wants to win in Carolina, will now be looking over his shoulder with the selection of Brooks. Though the Texas product tore his ACL, he is on track to be ready to go come Panthers' training camp. He is versatile and effective. The odd man out, currently, is Sanders. I don't suspect he will be in Carolina by the end of the season, but we will see. 

Wide receiver (6) 

Starter : Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette
Backup : Terrace Marshall Jr., Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jonathan Mingo

Analysis: The wide receiver room saw the biggest upgrade through the draft. Carolina brought in Legette, who I think will be a great NFL wide receiver. Legette's skill paired with Johnson's ability to get open immediately give Young far more than he had during the 2023 campaign. Expect a book improvement from a position that was previously of worry heading into the offseason. 

Tight end (3)

Starter : Tommy Tremble
Backup : Ja'Tavion Sanders, Ian Thomas

Analysis: Tight end had limited production in 2023. Now the Panthers have Sanders to add to a blocking-heavy tight end room. Sanders represents the pass-catcher of the bunch. Tremble has some potential in the pass-catching game. However, with options arriving in Young's lap, expect far more production from Carolina's tight ends. 

Offensive line (9) 

Starters: Ikem Ekwonu (LT), Damien Lewis (LG), Austin Corbett (C), Robert Hunt (RG), Taylor Moton (RT)
Backups:  Brady Christensen, Chandler Zavala, Cade Mays, Yosh Nijman.

Analysis: Carolina's offensive line saw massive upgrades in free agency, but it also saw minimal upgrades through the draft. Still, the additions of Hunt and Lewis out to make life easier for Young moving forward. 

Defensive line (6) 

Starters: Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, A'Shawn Robinson
Backups: Jaden Crumedy, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray

Analysis: The Panthers added Crumedy through the draft and Carolina also inked an extension with Brown. As it stands now, Carolina's defensive line is looking solid. 

Outside linebacker (4) 

Starters: Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum
Backups: K’Lavon Chaisson, Amare Barno, DJ Johnson

Analysis: Though Carolina's outside linebacker position took a hit losing Brian Burns, Dan Morgan recouped by adding Wonnum and Clowney on good value. I still expect Morgan to make a move to add another veteran pass rusher. 

Inside linebacker (6)

Starters: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell
Backups: Trevin Wallace, Chandler Wooten, Michael Barrett, Tae Davis

Analysis: Carolina invested heavily in the inside linebacker position, selecting Wallace and Barrett in the 2024 NFL Draft. Adding Josey Jewell gives the Panthers an additional starter. I expect this to be the version of the linebacker group that enters the season. 

Cornerback (5)

Starters: Jaycee Horn
Backups: Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dane Jackson, DiCaprio Bootle

Analysis: Carolina needs another starter ahead of the 2024 season. Morgan is expected to make a move for veteran Stephon Gilmore soon. If he does, the depth of the cornerback position significantly improves. 

Safety (6)

Starters: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller
Backups: Nick Scott, Alex Cook, Sam Franklin Jr., Jammie Robinson

Analysis: Carolina rebuilt its safety position through free agency. As it stands, I think this is the Panthers' most complete position group. 

Special teams (3) 

Kicker: Eddy Pineiro
Punter: Johnny Hekker
Long snapper: JJ Jansen