Previewing the Carolina Panthers 53-Man Roster

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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 12: Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Kenjon Barner #38 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line (6): Gerald McCoy, Kawann Short, Dontari Poe, Kyle Love, Vernon Butler, Efe Obada

The signing of Gerald McCoy to a one-year deal this offseason was by far the Panthers’ most impactful move of free agency. The former third-overall pick has made the Pro Bowl in six of the last seven seasons, and has consistently been one of the league’s best defensive linemen since entering the league. McCoy will join Kawann Short, who is coming off of his second Pro Bowl appearance in 2018, as well as Dontari Poe, who is a former first-rounder and Pro Bowler himself. Kyle Love and Vernon Butler will provide solid depth inside for Carolina, while 27-year-old Efe Obada has made the Panthers’ roster for the second-straight year. This particular group has the potential to be the reason Carolina may return to being one of the league’s premier defensive units in 2019.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers during their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Linebackers/Edge (10): Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Jordan Kunaszyk, Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin, Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes, Christian Miller

Anchored by arguably the best middle linebacker in football, the Panthers’ starting linebacker group is one of the most talented in the league. Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, Mario Addison, and Bruce Irvin are all currently listed as starters on the Panthers’ depth chart, however, behind them is some uncertainty. Jermaine Carter struggled at times during the preseason, and Andre Smith still seems to be learning the NFL game after missing most of his rookie season. Jordan Kunaszyk is the feel-good story of this team, as he led the team in tackles during the preseason and is the only undrafted rookie to have made Carolina’s final 53-man roster.

On the outside, Addison and Irvin provide solid veteran experience, and can both get after the quarterback. Irvin and this year’s first-round choice, Brian Burns, will likely share playing time. Burns burst onto the scene in his first NFL preseason, totaling 7 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble, despite playing only 30% of the team’s defensive snaps. Behind Burns, Marquis Haynes and Christian Miller and young players who have shown flashes, but will likely be limited to special teams duty in 2019.

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