Three Bold Predictions for Panthers Training Camp
The Panthers and the rest of the league starts reporting to training camp this week. The Panthers reports to Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC which is set to be hot as usual. Just like the temperature, the camp battles should also be heating up. Before Training Camp starts this week, I wanted to put out some bold predictions for camp.
At least 2 UDFA Rookies will make the 53 man roster
The installation of a new offense will provide opportunities for young guys to shine as they learn along with established vets. It is also possible that new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo will install an offense like the one he had in NY that utilized the TE position which opens some opportunities for young TEs to carve out a role for themselves. The WR room is also open at the bottom slots. Some candidates I think could surprise us and maybe even earn a spot are WR Charleston Rambo, TE Josh Babicz, RB John Lovett, and DT Marquan McCall.
Panthers Will Make Another Trade
I predict that the Panthers will make at least one trade before the end of camp. There are some positions where we may need to add an upgrade, or some positions where there is an absolute surplus and we can get back some value through future draft picks or another player in a position of weakness to add competition.
One area where we may need to upgrade depending on if current young players steps up or not is the defensive end position, we still did not replace Haason Reddick and if younger players don’t step up we may need to add some help. The Panthers already explored adding DE Carlos Dunlap last month, so I can see us either signing him or trading for a player. We also have a lot of talent in the secondary and a desperate or needy team could offer some compensation for guys we could end up cutting anyway.
Matt Corral Earns the Backup Spot
Everyone is looking at the QB competition since we traded for Baker Mayfield, but I think many are overlooking rookie QB Matt Corral. He might not beat out the vets for the starting role just yet, but I think he may surprise even the coaches. Prior to the trade the front office called Corral to let him know that he is still viewed at the future.
Ellis L.Williams form the Charlotte Observer stated “I had it on good authority from people inside (Panthers) building that they let Matt (Corral) know about the Baker deal,” Ellis said. “They were on the phone assuring him that he is still the future…that this is, for now, a short-term marriage (with Baker).”
I believe that he will prove this to be true during camp and preseason earning himself the backup role. I predict that Sam Darnold will ultimately become the third string, or even traded should a last minute opening occurs for a team due to an injury.