Three Panthers Primed for a Breakout Season in 2023

A look at who could piece together a big year for the Panthers.

If the Panthers are going to make the jump from a 7-10 team to a playoff contender, they'll need more than a few guys on the roster to make a jump individually. There are several players that come to mind who could be in line for a breakout season, but there are three that I keep coming back to.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

The Panthers have been waiting for TMJ to come along but this year feels like it will finally come to fruition. He battled through some injuries as a rookie and didn't receive many opportunities until Matt Rhule was fired. He showcased his big play ability as the season went along, averaging 17.5 yards per reception. The new coaching staff was pleased with the work he did in the spring and believes he's more than ready to take the next step in his career, potentially emerging as WR1 for Bryce Young.

TE Tommy Tremble

I'm not ready to count out Tommy Tremble just yet. He hasn't fully developed as a receiving threat but is still a very young player at the age of 23. In fact, he's older than many of this year's draft picks around the NFL and already has two years of experience under his belt. Hayden Hurst will be the featured tight end in the offense but with a rookie quarterback leading the offense, the tight ends will be used heavily and I can see Tremble getting more involved.

DE Derrick Brown

Does Derrick Brown qualify as a breakout candidate if he's already balled out in the league? In my mind, yes. There's a whole other level to Brown's game that hasn't been tapped into yet - the passing rushing side of things. New defensive line coach Todd Wash complimented Brown's run stopping ability but stated that they want him to improve as a pass rusher. Now that he is moving to defensive end in a 3-4 and has some help inside with Shy Tuttle, we're going to see Brown make a massive jump. 

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