Favorite: Chuba Hubbard
Second fiddle: Jonathon Brooks
Dark horse: Miles Sanders

In a perfectly healthy world, the dynamic and well-rounded 21-year-old who was the first running back selected in the 2024 draft would be the frontrunner out of Carolina’s backfield. But the Panthers aren’t in a perfectly healthy world, and the dynamic and well-rounded 21-year-old who was the first running back selected in the 2024 draft will begin training camp on the shelf.

So as Brooks continues his recovery from an ACL tear on the active/non-football injury list, Hubbard still has a grip on starting spot. The fourth-year back was the team’s leading rusher in both 2021 and 2023, and may be healthier than he’s ever been as a pro in 2024.

The Panthers have also kept Sanders in mind, even after a nightmare of a season. If head coach Dave Canales really is intent (and stubborn) on establishing on the run, all hands (and feet) could be on deck.

Favorite: Jonathan Mingo
Second fiddle: Terrace Marshall Jr.
Dark horse: Jalen Coker

The top three targets should be just about set for quarterback Bryce Young. Diontae Johnson will be the go-to X receiver, Adam Thielen will be the safety net at the slot and rookie Xavier Legette is likely the soft No. 3.

But who will be the next man up and, perhaps, even challenge Legette for the outside early on?

If the Panthers want to bring their prized first-round pick along slowly and surely, Mingo could win some burn by continuing his encouraging offseason.

Favorite: Tommy Tremble
Second fiddle: Ian Thomas
Dark horse: Ja’Tavion Sanders

Sanders, who many saw as the 2024 draft’s second-best tight end prospect, is the exciting choice here—especially as a fresh 21-year-old face. But there’s another youngster who seems to be exciting this coaching staff.

Canales put a bow on mandatory minicamp by praising Tremble for taking on a leadership role this spring. Still only 24 years old, the former third-round pick could be on the verge of some real production in his fourth NFL campaign.

Favorite: K’Lavon Chaisson
Second fiddle: DJ Johnson
Dark horse: Amaré Barno

Of the six Panthers sent to the active/physically unable to perform list this past weekend, outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum was the least surprising placement. The free-agent signee will need some additional time to get his quad right, making this battle a noteworthy one for the league’s least powerful pass rush.

Carolina already lacked firepower off the edge in 2023—and that was when they still had the likes of Brian Burns and Frankie Luvu. Whoever comes out on top here may not only serve as a key reserve, but perhaps as an early No. 2 across from Jadeveon Clowney if Wonnum remains on the mend.

Favorite: Dane Jackson
Second fiddle: Dicaprio Bootle
Dark horse: Stephon Gilmore

The cornerback position could be the only spot on this roster that lacks more depth than the edge currently does. Oh, and the situation could become even more dire if Jaycee Horn can’t shake off the injury bug.

As of now, the Panthers are entering camp with Jackson as their No. 2. The former Buffalo Bill, however, doesn’t have an established track record—as he’s started in just 28 of his 52 NFL games.

Behind him sits D’Shawn Jamison, Lamar Jackson (not that one) and Bootle—who was featured quite a bit by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in his three games last season. But being that this group is not particularly inspiring, Carolina could be prepared to pounce into the open market for a certain five-time Pro Bowler.

Favorite: Eddy Piñeiro
Second fiddle: Harrison Mevis

Piñeiro did not confirm that his absences from voluntary minicamp and organized team activities were linked to his contract situation. But it kinda seems like that’s the case, doesn’t it?

The NFL’s third-most accurate field goal kicker in its history is currently on the final season of his deal—one that not only ranks 20th in annual average value amongst his peers, but also includes just $150,000 of guaranteed salary. So if Canales and the Panthers grow more confident in Mevis this summer, we may see the “Thiccer Kicker” pushing Piñeiro to the side.