After taking a look at every position in our position analysis series, we’re now going to look at the areas where the Panthers are most vulnerable and need some work.
1. Defensive Tackle- This by far is the worst position on the roster. After trading away Kris Jenkins, and failing to bring in a equal replacement, the DT position is the weak link in the Panthers defense. With Jenkins gone, last year’s backup Damione Lewis was left to fill the hole. Lewis has been in the league for eight seasons and hasn’t exactly lived up to the slot the Rams drafted him (No. 12 in 2001). Lewis has shown some bright spots, but there will be some questions as to how he will perform this season. Lewis will start along side big Maake Kemoeatu, and will look to both pass rush and stop the run. Lewis and Kemoeatu are really going to have their hands full trying to contain opposing running backs.
2.Defensive End- Even with the all-pro Julius Peppers anchoring the line down, the defensive tackle position looks pretty weak. Peppers is coming off a terrible season last year, and his performance is suddenly in question. Head Coach John Fox and General Manager Marty Hurney did bring in Tyler Brayton from the Raiders, but Brayton has been a chronic underachiever after being selected in the first round of the 2003 draft. Charles Johnson and Stanley McClover will add some competition to the position, but if Peppers isn’t back to his normal self, the defensive end position, as well as the entire defensive line, is going to have some major issues. It seems that Carolina’s reputation of having a stout front four has evaporated over the past few seasons.
3. Right Guard- The Panthers did a pretty good job of brining in free agents to fill the right guard slot on the offensive line, the only question is how talented the free agents are. Out of the three guards signed- Milford Brown, Keydrick Vincent, and Toniu Fonoti- all three of them are above 325 pounds, and add some size to the line. Most of them have had issues on past teams, and have not lived up to their draft expectations. In the end I think the Panthers will be able to find the right player to fill the position, seeing as they have a number of guys to choose from, lets just hope that they do it during training camp and not during the season.
4. Tight End- Jeff King turned out to be a huge part of the offense last season, having the best season by a TE since Wesley Walls retired. Though King played well, he wasn’t great, and I know it’s being a little picky, but there is still some room for improvement. Carolina’s draft choice from last year, Daunte Rosario also came around towards the end of last season, and could potentially be an impact player this season, but may need a few season to bloom.
Weakest Positions on the Roster | 