ESPN NFL unit rankings indicate Panthers roster too far behind in too many places to contend

Carolina Panthers positional units ranked compared to the rest of the NFL going into 2024 season

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers calls for the snap during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Dec 17, 2023. / (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

If nothing else, the Carolina Panthers shouldn't be the worst team in the NFL this year and there are some legitimate reasons for optimism going into the regular season. That said, it's important for Carolina fans to be realistic about where this franchise stands compared to the competition. Specifically, the roster as presently constructed is still far behind where they need to be in a lot of places in order to be considered a contender.

Here is a quick review of where ESPN analyst Mike Clay ranked each positional unit for the Panthers in his projections for the 2024 NFL season.

Quarterbacks: 24th

Running backs: 26th

Wide receivers: 16th

Tight ends: 32nd

Offensive line: 12th

Defensive line: 14th

Edge rush: 23rd

Linebackers: 9th

Cornerbacks: 25th

Safeties: 16th

There are some bright spots here to be sure, including a deep defensive front-seven and an offensive line that should be no worse than average even on their worst day. We also thoroughly disagree with the running back ranking - and once rookie Jonathon Brooks joins the lineup you'll see why.

Still, to catch up with the projected playoff teams around the NFC they'll need to dramatically improve at a few key positions, especially at cornerback and quarterback.

In the case of Carolina's corners, they have the tools they need for success at this spot - but only if Jaycee Horn can finally stay on the field for most of the season. Troy Hill is pretty solid in the slot, but it might be a good idea to add more help, here. A step forward by Dane Jackson wouldn't hurt, either.

Of course the huge asterisk hanging over everything Panthers-related this year is their situation at quarterback. If Bryce Young doesn't improve tremendously this coming season then all hope is lost for an eight-win year, let alone a playoff run. Andy Dalton is decent enough as a backup but he can't carry a team like this to the postseason at this stage of his career and that's all that really matters.

Even if Young does take that critical Sophomore year leap it's going to take time to round out the rough edges of this roster. It will fall to general manager Dan Morgan to dig the Panthers out of what's become the deepest mess in the NFC and for head coach Dave Canales to sort it all out on the field.

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