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Well, the NFL Draft has come and gone, and we’ve all gotten a small glimpse of what the Carolina Panthers look like after mini camp last weekend, and I must say that the Panthers look good this year. After adding some key players this off season and revamping the roster in the NFL Draft, the Panthers look like they have an actual shot at the play offs. Here is a position-by-position breakdown of the roster, along with their strengths and weaknesses.

Quarterback

Last season, after only playing 3 games, Jake Delhomme went down for the season with an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. In 3 games, Jake posted some pretty impressive stats (8 TD, 1 INT, 64% Pass Completion, and a QB Rating of 111.8). Many were worried that this surgery would make or break his arm, but after being closely monitored during rehabilitation, both Coach Fox and Jake himself said that he would be back this season and be better than ever. Hopefully, this season he will post even better stats throughout the year. However, Jake is the only experienced QB on the team, and if he goes down again this season with a serious season ending injury, it could be a repeat of last season for the Panthers.

 The QB position is, in my opinion, shakey, because of so many lingering questions. What happens if Jake is injured again this season? Are backup QBs Matt Moore and Brett Basanez ready, or better yet, experienced enough to take over if Delhomme is down? I have faith in the Panther’s passing game, only as long as Jake stays healthy, and if Matt Moore can truly lead the team to victory like he did twice last year.

Wide Receiver

 Last season’s players Drew Carter and Keary Colbert were major disappointments. Neither were able to be a consistent threat as a receiver, and neither could take away some of the double coverage that Steve Smith was facing game after game. This year, expect the Panthers to really move the ball through the air more, and have a better time doing it. Off season additions DJ Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad bring leadership and experience to the team, and both should be able to catch the ball and ensure that Steve Smith won’t face any more double coverage anymore. Also, expect last year’s second round draft pick Dwayne Jarrett to also get some time catching the ball. In mini camp, he made some impressive catches. If he stays out of trouble and learns the play book this year, he’ll be a solid threat for defenses around the league.

 Running Back

One of the best things the team did this season was to release “Fumbling Foster”. Foster, the team’s starter for the last several seasons, never rushed for more than 1000 yards, and averaged a disappointing 3.5 YPC. DeAngelo Williams, Foster’s backup, and more of a playmaker, was penciled in as the starter for next season. Then the Panthers made a surprising move in the draft by taking Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart with the 13th overall pick in the draft. Stewart, more of a power back instead of a speed back, is expected to split carries with Williams and make a dramatic impact in the running game. Expect both Stewart and Williams to post some big numbers this season, and also expect backup LaBrandon Toefield to help with some of the carries.

Offensive Line

This offseason, Coach John Fox wanted to make his team a bigger and more massive threat, especially in the running game. Well, he certainly accomplished that by releasing smaller guard Mike Whale and center Justin Hartwig. He also made a dramatic improvement to the line by surprising everyone by trading back into the first round of the draft and taking RT Jeff Otah with the 19th overall pick. He also plans on moving players around, like making second year center Ryan Kalil the starter and moving Jordan Gross from RT to LT. They also added experienced G Toniu Fonoti to the roster, who is looking forward to redeeming his career. These movements, along with the new additions, should make Carolina be a bigger threat in the running game, and hopefully protect Jake Delhomme better.

Full Back

 There is nothing special happening in this position. No FB was drafted in the Draft, and fan favorite Brad Hoover was signed to a contract extension this year. Nick Goings is also just an average back. Brad Hoover is getting old (he is about to enter his 9th season), and the Panthers really need to grab some fresh talent and train him to replace Hoover soon.

Tight End

The tight end position is looking really good. Last year’s 5th rounder Dante Rosario was solid last year, and Jeff King is a reliable starter. Also, TE Gary Barnidge looks to be the pass receiving TE that Coach Fox always wanted. He might not be much of a blocker, but he is capable of stretching the field and it gives Jake Delhomme another good target to throw to.

I'll be posting the defensive positions soon.