2006 NFL Preview: The Carolina Panthers

Quarterback-The Carolina Panthers have one of the most stable quarterback groups in the NFL, with Jake Delhomme and Chris Weinke holding down their same respective positions over the last five years. Delhomme is a solid game manager and his ability to make plays out of nothing makes him a threat on every passing play. Weinke is a good reserve quarterback and gives the Panthers some comfort in leading drives down field in the absence of Delhomme. At the third string quarterback, second year quarterback Stefan LeFors will continue to develop behind two experienced quarterbacks but look for this kid to get his chance a few years down the road, much like Delhomme when he was with the New Orleans Saints.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Running back/ Full back- With Stephen Davis out of Carolina, the main back in 2006 will be DeShaun Foster. As long as Foster stays healthy and on the field, the Panthers will have an athletic, reliable back for the 2006 NFL season. As an insurance policy, and a change of pace, the Panther selected prolific Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams with their first round pick. Williams will make for a good NFL back in his first season and could develop into a bargaining chip for the Panthers in a few years. Fullback Brad Hoover has proven himself to be a versatile back, with solid blocking, receiving, and experience taking over running duties in the absence of a starting back.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Wide Receiver/Tight End- The addition of Keyshawn Johnson to the receiving corps will give Jake Delhomme two legitimate offensive threats, with Steve Smith hoping to continue his MVP-worthy play in 2006. Smith and Johnson may end up being one of the more potent combinations in the league of Johnson is still up to the ability that he had early in his career and Smith stays away from the injured reserve. Look for big plays galore from the combination of Delhomme to Smith and some good possession receiving from Keyshawn Johnson.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Offensive Line- The Panthers’ offensive line will play outstanding this season, especially with the continued development of young tackle Jordan Gross, the acclimation of guard Mike Wahle to his role as an offensive leader, and the leadership of center Justin Hartwig cementing the offensive line. This group will be key to a successful Panthers season and they will excel as a unit.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Defensive Line- This is the best individual unit in the NFL and in 2006, they will exceed their performances of the 2005 season. Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers make the best defensive end combination in the league and they will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. On the defensive interior, Kris Jenkins and Jordan Carstens will stuff the run and destroy opposing pockets before they can get established. This will be the unit that puts the Panthers over the top in their division.
2006 NFL Grade: A+

Linebacker- Dan Morgan had a good season in 2005 and will have a great season in 2006, with the help of Chris Draft and newcomer, former Packer Na’il Diggs. Diggs and Draft are good at stopping the run, but Morgan is a true play maker and gives the Panthers another outlet for turnovers and big defensive stops.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

Defensive Back- Defensive backs Mike Minter, Chris Gamble, Ken Lucas, and Reggie Howard will make some big plays for the Carolina defense in 2006. With the defensive line wrecking opposing quarterbacks and running backs, they may not have to work too hard to make any big plays but Minter will make some big hits and Gamble is sure to make a couple of big interception and fumble returns. John Fox has to be thrilled with the defensive group he has and in case the first two levels falter, they have a group that is skilled enough to stop big plays.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Kicker/Punter- The Panthers’ specialist positions are in good hands in 2006, with kicker John Kasay providing veteran leadership and solid kicking skills on one side and punter Jason Baker continuing to improve into a solid NFL kicker heading into 2006. Kasay is a clutch kicker who can make the difference between winning the division and falling into the wild card (or out of the playoffs) in 2006. Baker’s booming kicks will help the outstanding defense bury the competition deep in their own territory.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

2006 NFL Projection- The Carolina Panthers will edge out some very strong competition from other teams in the NFC South and win the NFC South division. The Panthers should come in around 11-5 or 12-4 and compete for home field advantage in the NFC.