The Carolina Panthers didn’t get the kind of preseason opener they wanted against the Buffalo Bills, but the game still gave a clearer picture of where this roster stands heading toward Week 1. Using that first look, plus everything that’s been seen in training camp, a starting lineup projection starts to take shape on both sides of the ball.
At quarterback, Bryce Young remains the name at the top. Behind him, the offense projects with Chuba Hubbard as the lead back for now, while Jonathon Brooks still has work to do before forcing his way into that spot. Brooks didn’t do much to strengthen his case against Buffalo, and the expectation is that Carolina would lean on a fairly even split early on, with Hubbard handling a bit more of the load.
The receiving group gets a new wrinkle with Chris Brazzell sidelined for the entire 2026 season after a knee injury. That clears the path for Xavier Legette to claim the No. 3 role at receiver, even if that comes with a sour note given his struggles over two seasons. The projected starting trio has Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Legette lined up out wide.
Tight end belongs to Darren Waller. He’s clearly the best option Carolina has at the position, so the projection gives him the bulk of the snaps. Tommy Tremble still has a place in the mix because of his blocking, and Waller could also line up as a de facto No. 3 receiver at times.
Up front, the offensive line projection has Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Damien Lewis at left guard, Luke Fortner at center, Robert Hunt at right guard and Monroe Freeling at right tackle. Freeling’s rise into the starting picture came after Taylor Moton suffered a blood clot in his lung. That had initially looked like a situation where Freeling might begin the year on the bench, and if Moton returns and Freeling doesn’t shine while Walker struggles, the rookie would be expected to move back out of the lineup.
On defense, the front line projects with Bobby Brown, Cam Jackson and Derrick Brown. At edge rusher, Patrick Jones and Jaelan Phillips are the names in the starting spots, though Princely Umanmielen could still climb over Jones if the second-year pass rusher proves he deserves it.
At linebacker, Devin Lloyd is locked in, while Trevin Wallace gets the nod next to him. Head coach Dave Canales said the LB2 competition between Wallace and Claudin Cherelus is “neck-and-neck,” but Wallace gets the edge here because he’s listed as the starter on Carolina’s unofficial depth chart.
The secondary projects with Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson and Corey Thornton in the slot at corner, plus Tre’Von Moehrig and Nick Scott at safety. Jackson is listed as the starter for now, though Lee Hunter is still a threat to take that job.
Thornton was viewed as the favorite for the nickel role heading into the offseason and that hasn’t changed, with Chau Smith-Wade still the biggest challenge. Scott’s experience keeps him in the starting mix, even with Lathan Ransom and Zakee Wheatley making noise during the offseason and pushing for that role.
In Other News...
Panthers Depth Chart Just Raised New Questions About Key Roster Battles
The Panthers unofficial preseason depth chart offered a few hints about how the staff is sorting out the bottom of the roster as camp moves along. Wide receiver depth remains tied not just to receiving production but to special teams value, and the guard picture has been muddied by injuries, leaving several backups waiting for a chance to climb despite some encouraging showings.
At tight end, Darren Waller is still at the bottom of the chart for now because he has not yet played or practiced, which leaves his spot more about timing than evaluation at this stage. Elsewhere, Princely Umanmielen has turned in a solid run in a starting role, but he has not yet pushed past the current starter opposite Jaelan Phillips, a reminder that early preseason momentum does not always translate directly into a move up the board. [Read more 🡒]
ESPN Just Framed The Panthers Problem Fans Keep Debating
ESPNs latest future power rankings offered a blunt snapshot of where the Panthers stand as they try to build beyond the present. Louis Riddicks projection for 2027 to 2029 slotted Carolina 23rd overall with a score of 74.7, and the numbers echoed a familiar theme for this franchise: there are pieces worth believing in, but not enough certainty to make the climb feel quick or easy. The roster outside of quarterback came in 25th, while the coaching staff and front office were graded more respectably at 16th and 20th.
The debate around Carolina remains centered on whether the organization can get enough steady play from Bryce Young and keep the offense from being undone by health issues up front. ESPNs analysts pointed to the teams defensive spending and the arrival of rookie Tetairoa McMillan as reasons for some optimism, but the bigger question still hangs over the offense. Until the quarterback play becomes more consistent and the line stays intact, the Panthers are likely to keep drawing the kind of mixed reviews that leave fans arguing about whether the arrow is really pointing up. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Send A Clear Bryce Young Message In New Mock Draft
With the draft still ahead and a mid-first-round pick in hand, the Panthers are once again being sized up for how they plan to support Bryce Young. Carolina already addressed one important piece by selecting Monroe Freeling, who has worked his way into a starting role before the season even begins, and now the focus in a new mock draft has shifted to a different part of the roster. The projection has the Panthers picking seventh overall in 2027 and turning to pass rusher Colin Simmons, a move that speaks more to building the defense than chasing another quarterback.
For a team that has spent plenty of time under the microscope at the games most important position, the bigger takeaway is what the mock leaves out. Even with a deep class of quarterbacks available later in the round, Carolina does not come off this projection looking like a club in a hurry to replace Young or force the issue early. Instead, the message is one of patience and roster construction, with the Panthers betting their next major swing should come on the edge rather than under center. [Read more 🡒]