Previewing the Carolina Panthers 53-Man Roster

3 of 5

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 16: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers looks on against the Buffalo Bills in the first half during the preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends (3): Greg Olsen, Ian Thomas, Chris Manhertz

Perhaps the most important player to the Panthers’ offensive success (aside from Newton) is Greg Olsen. The 34-year-old is one of the most dangerous tight ends in the league when healthy, and has been Newton’s security blanket ever since arriving in Carolina in 2011. Second-year player, Ian Thomas, is an impressive pass-catcher, and Chris Manhertz, returning for his third season with the team, is a reliable run blocker.

The Panthers have suggested that they may incorporate more two-tight end sets this season, and with good reason. Newton has performed well over his career with two tight ends on the field, and having two on the field could benefit the running game as well. Carolina’s tight end group may not only be one of the deepest in the league, but also among the league’s all-around best.

SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 06: Matt Paradis #61 of the Denver Broncos blocks for Brock Osweiler #17 of the Denver Broncos during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 6, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line (9): Daryl Williams, Greg Little, Greg Van Roten, Matt Paradis, Tyler Larsen, Trai Turner, Dennis Daley, Taylor Moton, Brandon Greene

At this point, the offensive line may be the Panthers’ biggest uncertainty. The pieces (and the talent) are there, but thus far, it hasn’t yielded results in 2019. Luckily for them, preseason doesn’t technically mean anything. Trai Turner, Greg Van Roten, and Taylor Moton return as starters for this season, and Daryl Williams looks to make a healthy return. Williams was a full-time starter in 2017 before suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year’s opener. He had been the team’s starting right tackle, and for the first time in his career will be the Panthers’ left tackle in 2019.

Matt Paradis was signed away from Denver this offseason to play center, in place of the briefly-retired Ryan Kalil. Carolina drafted Greg Little in the second-round of this year’s draft in hopes that he can grow into the role of protecting Newton’s blindside. Dennis Daley is a versatile rookie out of South Carolina who has gotten work at every position on the offensive line except center. If the Panthers want to find success in 2019, they’re going to need the line to consistently step up and keep Newton off the ground.

Home/Carolina Panthers