Carolina Panthers

Predicting Panthers Final Roster & Depth Chart

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers offense huddles as offensive coordinator Mike Shula looks on prior to facing the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi

With just a day to go before the final roster cut deadline, here’s our prediction for how the Panthers roster and depth chart will play out…

While the Carolina Panthers starters are essentially set in stone, there were a number of backup positions still up for grabs towards the end of this offseason.

Ahead of Saturday’s final cut deadline, plenty of spots remain open and the front office and coaching staff have their work cut out for them deciding who stays and who goes.

Taking everything into account, here’s our final roster and depth chart prediction for the 2016 Panthers.

Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and quarterback Derek Anderson (3) pose for a photo during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK (3):

Starter – Cam Newton

Backups – Derek Anderson, Joe Webb

Carolina will roll out the same QB trio for the third straight year. Webb’s versatility and experience as a quarterback, receiver and special teams player make him a lock for the roster.

Sep 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Brandon Wegher (32) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Carolina won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACK (4):

Starters – Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert

Backups – Cameron Artis-Payne, Brandon Wegher

After going with five RBs last season, the Panthers would be wise to knock that number down to four and part ways with Fozzy Whittaker. Artis-Payne has shown to be worthy of the number two role and while Wegher’s preseason rushing numbers weren’t stellar his abilities on special teams mixed with his potential make him a better option moving forward.

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Damiere Byrd (18) makes catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Sheldon Price (27) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVER (6):

Starters – Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess

Backups – Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown, Brenton Bersin, Damiere Byrd

After years of keeping just five wideouts, the talent here should force the Panthers hand to keep a sixth. Bersin is too experienced and sure-handed to let go and with a terrific offseason, Byrd deserves a spot as well.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) and tight end Ed Dickson (84) against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi

TIGHT END (3):

Starter – Greg Olsen

Backups – Ed Dickson, Scott Simonson

No changes appear here for the tight end group despite a wealth of competitors who were brought in. Rookie seventh round pick Beau Sandland’s offseason wasn’t enough to beat out Simonson here nor garner holding onto a fourth tight end. He should be a practice squad lock though.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Michael Oher (73) at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi

OFFENSIVE TACKLE (4):

Starters – Michael Oher, Mike Remmers

Backup – Donald Hawkins, Daryl Williams

Behind the starters, things look dicey. Williams didn’t push Remmers as expected this offseason and struggled on the left but still serves as the best backup option. And Hawkins was a pleasant surprise who the Panthers can’t afford to part with.

Aug 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Carolina Panthers guard Andrew Norwell (68) against the Buffalo Bills in a preseason NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

OFFENSIVE GUARD (3):

Starters – Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner

Backup – David Yankey

Yankey’s solid performance this offseason and the lack of overall quality depth along the offensive line means he should have a spot on the final 53.

Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) looks to snap the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated the Saints 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

CENTER (2):

Starter – Ryan Kalil

Backup – Gino Gradkowski

As expected, the experienced Gradkowski should be the top backup at center as well as guard.

Nov 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive ends Ryan Delaire (91) and Kony Ealy (94) and Mario Addison (97) on the bench in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Redskins 44-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE END (5):

Starters – Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy

Backups – Mario Addison, Wes Horton, Ryan Delaire

The Panthers can’t give up on Delaire just yet, even after a subpar preseason. Horton’s abilities against the run make him an asset and pair nicely with a pass rushing specialist in Addison.

Jul 28, 2016; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) runs a drill during the training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4):

Starters – Kawann Short, Star Lotulelei

Backups – Vernon Butler, Paul Soliai

Carolina usually keeps five tackles but with the youthful Butler coming in and looking solid, he and Soliai should do well as rotational backup behind the top notch starting duo.

Sep 1, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jeremy Cash (57) looks on to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 18-6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

LINEBACKER (6):

Starters – Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson

Backups – A.J. Klein, David Mayo, Jeremy Cash

In a slight surprise, here the Panthers hold onto three backup linebackers. Klein is a given and Mayo’s preseason performance makes him a must-have on the roster as well. Cash was a wildcard all offseason but has come on strong of late and with his versatility the Panthers need to keep.

Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Daryl Worley (26) lines up during the second half against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Panthers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

CORNERBACK (5):

Starters – James Bradberry, Daryl Worley, Bene Benwikere

Backups – Zack Sanchez, Robert McClain

The five corners aren’t so much of a surprise as a the depth chart is. Bradberry has been terrific this offseason and preseason and should man the number one spot. Worley struggled at times but looks like he’ll be the other starting outside corner. Benwikere’s move to nickel seemed like a demotion but actually should make the Panthers defense better as the role is as crucial as they come in Sean McDermott’s D.

Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

SAFETY (5):

Starters – Kurt Coleman, Tre Boston

Backups – Stevie Brown, Dean Marlowe, Colin Jones

The team likes Marlowe and should keep him on, even with his injury that hampered his preseason play. With no real veteran – or quality – options among the others on the roster, the team should hold onto both Brown and Jones who can play versatile roles in the secondary and on special teams.

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns punter Andy Lee (8) punts the ball during the second quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

SPECIAL TEAMS (3):

Kicker – Graham Gano

Punter – Andy Lee

Long Snapper – J.J. Jansen

The Panthers finally fixed their punting problems with the trade for All-Pro Andy Lee earlier this week and he should make this special teams trio as solid as there is in the NFL.