NFL Position Roles - Carolina Panthers

04/27/24 Chuba Hubbard was the primary RB in the second half of the 2023 season, seeing work on all three downs and in the red zone. The Panthers used their second round pick to select Jonathon Brooks. the rookie is returning from a torn ACL, so his early-season availability may be in question. If healthy, Brooks could take the lead role and push Hubbard into a change-of-pace role. If Brooks misses time, Hubbard should hang onto the lead role. No.3 RB Miles Sanders could see occasional carries, but once Brooks is healthy, Sanders could be kept on the bench. Raheem Blackshear adds depth, though that may not result in many touches.

04/27/24 After trading for Diontae Johnson, expect Johnson to be the team's primary receiver and full-time player. The Panthers drafted Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 draft. Legette should be in position to earn a starting outside role across from Johnson. Legette profiles as a big-bodied deep threat. Although Legette may not see heavy target volume, he could be featured in the red zone in addition to the downfield role. Adam Thielen had a great first half of the 2023 season but fell off the rest of the way. Thielen should serve as a possession receiver and could have the inside track on the No. 3/slot role. As a rookie, Jonathan Mingo wasn't very productive. However, Mingo should get a chance during training camp to push Thielen for the No. 3 role. Otherwise, Mingo should be locked into the No.4 role. Terrace Marshall, Ihmir Smith-Marsette and David Moore will compete for depth roles.

04/27/24 Fourth-round rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will likely be given every chance to earn the lead TE role during training camp. Otherwise, Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas and Ian Sullivan will compete with Sanders for receiving work.