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Previewing the Carolina Panthers 53-Man Roster

ByLuke Tucker|
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Cam Newton #1 and teammates pile on kicker Graham Gano #9 of the Carolina Panthers after his game-winning 63-yard field goal against the New York Giants during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 33-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 07: Cam Newton #1 and teammates pile on kicker Graham Gano #9 of the Carolina Panthers after his game-winning 63-yard field goal against the New York Giants during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 33-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Marcus Allen #27 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Reggie Bonnafon #39 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Marcus Allen #27 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Reggie Bonnafon #39 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Running Backs (4): Christian McCaffrey, Reggie Bonnafon, Jordan Scarlett, Alex Armah

Following a season in whichChristian McCaffreyplayed far more offensive snaps than any other running back in the league, one of the Panthers’ main goals in the offseason was to give their stud running back a break. In doing so, Carolina draftedJordan Scarlettin the fifth-round, and watched second-year proReggie Bonnafon, burst onto the scene this offseason.

Scarlett offers the team a tough, physical back who isn’t afraid of contact, while Bonnafon’s versatility may have earned his place on the roster. Bonnafon showed in the preseason that he can be effective as a pass-catching back, a returner, and actually outpaced all other Panthers running backs (aside from McCaffrey, who had only three carries) in terms of average yards per rush.Alex Armahwill return for his third season as the team’s fullback.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: D.J. Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: D.J. Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Wide Receivers (6): DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel, Chris Hogan, Jarius Wright, Ray-Ray McCloud, Brandon Zylstra

After retaining only five wide receivers on the initial roster, Carolina released veteranTorrey Smithbefore claimingRay-Ray McCloudandBrandon Zylstraoff waivers.DJ Mooreshould be able to build off of a momentous finish to the 2018 campaign, and third-year man,Curtis Samuelhas been praised all offseason for his improved route-running and all-around playmaking ability.Chris Hoganwas signed at the beginning of free agency after spending the past three seasons with the New England Patriots. Slot receiver,Jarius Wright, will return for his second season with the Panthers in 2019. The top-four receivers are collectively the best group of receivers that Cam Newton has had his entire career, while McCloud can return kicks, and Zylstra showed signs of potential during his time with the Vikings.

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