Panthers' 53-Man Roster Projection: Post-Draft Edition

Our first look at what the 2023 roster could look like for Carolina.

Much of Carolina's big roster moves for the offseason are now behind us. They had an infusion of experienced talent in free agency and added to that with five picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the first overall selection, QB Bryce Young.

There will be a couple of pieces added here and there between now and the start of training camp but for the most part, the roster is pretty much set. With that being said, here is my first projection of what the Panthers' opening day 53-man roster will look like.

OFFENSE

QB (3): Andy Dalton, Bryce Young, Matt Corral

RB (3): Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear

WR (6): Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault, Jonathan Mingo, Damiere Byrd

TE (4): Hayden Hurst, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Gio Ricci

OT (3): Ikem Ekwonu, Taylor Moton, Cameron Erving

OG (5): Brady Christensen, Austin Corbett, Justin McCray, Chandler Zavala, Cade Mays

C (1): Bradley Bozeman

Total (25)

After the unfortunate run of injuries the Panthers had a year ago at the QB position, I expect they will carry three this season. No one is trading for Corral and it doesn't make much sense to just cut him one year in, even if he's not going to be the guy.

If you're wondering who would be the backup center for Bozeman, I assume Cade Mays will get a ton of reps there in training camp. He may even move there full-time once Corbett returns to action.

Missing the cut: RB Cam Peoples, WR Shi Smith, TE Stephen Sullivan, C Sam Tecklenburg, OL Nash Jensen.

DEFENSE

DE (4): Derrick Brown, DeShawn Williams, Henry Anderson, Bravvion Roy

NT (2): Shy Tuttle, Marquan McCall

LB (10): Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes Sr., Yetur Gross-Matos, Amaré Barno, DJ Johnson, Shaq Thompson, Jeremy Chinn, Frankie Luvu, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Brandon Smith

CB (5): Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, CJ Henderson, Keith Taylor, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III

S (4): Xavier Woods, Vonn Bell, Sam Franklin, Jammie Robinson

Total (25)

I don't really love the idea of only having six guys in the two-deep up front but Roy can swing inside, as well as Derrick Brown if need be. Plus, DJ Johnson could grow into a defensive end and Gross-Matos could maybe (?) line up there as well. 

Guys like Kamu Grugier-Hill and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III were close to not making the cut but the value they bring to the special teams unit is what earns them a spot.

Missing the cut: DL John Penisini, LB Bumper Pool, S Eric Rowe.

SPECIALISTS

K (1): Eddy Pineiro

P (1): Johnny Hekker

LS (1): JJ Jansen

Total (3)

Overall total: 53

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:

Facebook - @PanthersOnSI

Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.