ESPN Future Rankings

Got us at 12:

Roster: Because of Cam Newton at QB there is a perception that this is a young roster, but the reality is there are not a lot of young stars to build around. This is a veteran offensive line, and their best playmaker, WR Steve Smith, doesn't have a lot of years left. The RB position needs upgrading. On defense, the Panthers have some quality youth on the defensive line and young LB Luke Kuechly seems to be a guy they can build around. -- Horton


Quarterback: Carolina's rise on this list is due to Newton. He had the best rookie season ever, from a statistical standpoint, and his work ethic isn't a question. He has an incredibly high ceiling. People simply didn't realize the kind of arm talent he had. -- Dilfer


Draft: Newton could turn into the pick of the decade. His brilliant rookie season makes people forget how much we still didn't know when he was taken. The 2012 draft -- Luke Kuechly, DE Frank Alexander and CB Josh Norman specifically -- should invigorate the defense. If the defense improves, they can contend in the NFC South. -- Kiper


Front office: GM Marty Hurney seems to have the final voice on personnel matters and he has the trust of owner Jerry Richardson. He also has a better relationship with coach Ron Rivera than he did with John Fox. This is a veteran scouting staff with a trusted voice in college scouting director Don Gregory. They prefer to build through the draft, but they will make a free-agent move to fill a specific need. -- Horton


Coaching: A new, but strong coaching staff really seems to be headed in the right direction. They have two qualified coordinators, Rob Chudzinski on offense and Sean McDermott on defense, that have excelled at developing their talent. Chudzinski especially has done a nice job with Newton. With success on the horizon there is not likely to be a lot of turnover. -- Horton

 

I knew we should have traded up for Trent Richardson. Dumb fuck.

 

WTH is Horton talking about in that first statement? The RB and DL comments I don`t get.

 

This is stupid. These "experts" can't predict the upcoming season, how they gonna predict what will happen in a few years?!

 

Horton has a hard time with last year and the current situation.

 

Horton is an idiot

 

Gayness, utter gayness. Future rankings? Sounds like something a middle school girl would come up with.

 

Nah we do future rankings on middle school girls

 

Carolina has the worst cap situation of any team over the next few years and the roster is pretty old.

 

This place smells like shit.