Today we are taking a look at what we believe this Carolina team needs to look for this offseason. This team has a good mix of veterans and young talent. We don't think this roster needs a complete makeover, but it does have some holes that need to be addressed.
Offense
Cam Newton had a decent year this season. 24 TDS to 15 INTS isn't terrible. But it could be better. With the likely exit of Kelvin Benjamin, this team needs a big time WR. This WR corp isn't very explosive. And that was evident. I expect this team to look for a mix of established WRs and young talent. Devin Funchess looks to be the #1 right now. And that's not what this team wants.
I could also see the Panthers looking for a young TE and QB. Greg Olsen is getting up there in age, and Carolina needs to start developing someone to take over once Olsen decides to hang up the cleats. At the QB position, Cam is still fairly young, but this team doesn't have long before they will have to start looking for his replacement. Instead of waiting and taking one with a high draft pick, we expect them to take a mid-late round guy and develop there next QB. With Cam's age, they have some time to go this route.
Defense
The defensive side of the ball has a few more positions in need. This team gave up the 5th most rushing yards in the NFL last season. Thomas Davis looks to be a free agent. We don't expect Carolina to resign him. But the depth chart at OLB looks like it could be in better shape without the veteran LB. but this team might look for a steal in the draft or free agency to bolster the OLB talent. Other than 1 OLB spot, the LB Corp looks strong. The secondary also looks much stronger going into next season also. With the surprise play of James Bradberry and the emergence of Cam Sutton, the secondary for Carolina looks like it could be one of the better positions on this team.
The main issue for this defense is the D-Line. They were awful last season. We expect Carolina to do a full overhaul of the D-Line. We expect Carolina is looking for a completely different front 4 next year. They will probably be in the market for some free agents and draft picks to fix this group. The team can't give up the same yardage they did this year on the ground. And if they do, they'll be out of the playoffs once again.
Since this team doesn't have to fill an entire roster with new pieces, they can be selective with free agents and picks. We expect them to take a look at some of the top talent, at certain positions, when free agency opens. And whatever this team doesn't fill in fee agency will determine their strategy in the draft.
Offense
Cam Newton had a decent year this season. 24 TDS to 15 INTS isn't terrible. But it could be better. With the likely exit of Kelvin Benjamin, this team needs a big time WR. This WR corp isn't very explosive. And that was evident. I expect this team to look for a mix of established WRs and young talent. Devin Funchess looks to be the #1 right now. And that's not what this team wants.
I could also see the Panthers looking for a young TE and QB. Greg Olsen is getting up there in age, and Carolina needs to start developing someone to take over once Olsen decides to hang up the cleats. At the QB position, Cam is still fairly young, but this team doesn't have long before they will have to start looking for his replacement. Instead of waiting and taking one with a high draft pick, we expect them to take a mid-late round guy and develop there next QB. With Cam's age, they have some time to go this route.
Defense
The defensive side of the ball has a few more positions in need. This team gave up the 5th most rushing yards in the NFL last season. Thomas Davis looks to be a free agent. We don't expect Carolina to resign him. But the depth chart at OLB looks like it could be in better shape without the veteran LB. but this team might look for a steal in the draft or free agency to bolster the OLB talent. Other than 1 OLB spot, the LB Corp looks strong. The secondary also looks much stronger going into next season also. With the surprise play of James Bradberry and the emergence of Cam Sutton, the secondary for Carolina looks like it could be one of the better positions on this team.
The main issue for this defense is the D-Line. They were awful last season. We expect Carolina to do a full overhaul of the D-Line. We expect Carolina is looking for a completely different front 4 next year. They will probably be in the market for some free agents and draft picks to fix this group. The team can't give up the same yardage they did this year on the ground. And if they do, they'll be out of the playoffs once again.
Since this team doesn't have to fill an entire roster with new pieces, they can be selective with free agents and picks. We expect them to take a look at some of the top talent, at certain positions, when free agency opens. And whatever this team doesn't fill in fee agency will determine their strategy in the draft.