Projected line-up

according to charlotte.com: (either Olson or Chandler, didn't say who)

March 20, 2008
Projected Panthers lineup, as of today
Here’s a look at the Panthers projected starting lineup as of today. It includes four of the eight free agent signees. Look for at least one or two new starters to come from the draft.



QB - Jake Delhomme ... Recovery from elbow surgery said to be going well.
RB - DeAngelo Williams ... Ready for more carries, but sidekick could come from draft.
FB - Brad Hoover ... Mr. Reliable back for another year.
WR - Steve Smith ... Finally, he may get the help he needs.
WR - D.J. Hackett--x ... If he's healthy, he could be a force. Muhsin Muhammad also a factor.
TE - Jeff King ... Figures to split playing time with Dante Rosario.
RG - Keydrick Vincent--x ... This could be Bridges if an OT comes via the draft.
LG - Travelle Wharton ... Better suited to move inside than to play LT.
RT - Jeremy Bridges-y ... First- or second-round draft pick could start here or at LT. Gross can play either.
LT - Jordan Gross ... Franchise player waiting to hear which side he'll play.
C - Ryan Kalil ... Is he ready to live up to potential after release of Hartwig?



DT - Damione Lewis ... His quickness will help, but Panthers need depth here.
DT - Ma’ake Kemoeatu ... With Jenkins gone, he's the primary run stuffer on the line.
DE - Julius Peppers ... Panthers need him to return to form after a subpar '07.
DE - Charles Johnson-y ... Signee Tyler Brayton could start; so could a draftee like Derrick Harvey.
MLB - Jon Beason ... In only one year, he's become the team's rock solid defensive leader.
OLB - Thomas Davis ... Finally coming into his own and may be ready for breakout season.
OLB - Landon Johnson-x ... Former Bengal will battle with Na'il Diggs for this spot.
CB - Ken Lucas ... Richard Marshall is an excellent backup who could beat out Lucas or Gamble.
CB - Chris Gamble ... Cornerback is probably the Panthers' most stable position in terms of recent turnover.
SS - Chris Harris ... New contract reveals team's confidence in his long-term viability as a starter.
FS - Terrence Holt-x ... This spot is still a question mark. Holt struggled last year with Cardinals.

x - New signees who arrived via free agency.
y - Draft could yield new starter.

 

I could see Wharton and Gross staying at tackle if we do not land a good RT prospect in the draft. I doubt they want to start Bridges at tackle...

 

Without landing a Tackle in the draft, it would make more sense for it to be:

LT- Wharton
LG- Vincent
C- Kalil
RG- Bridges
RT- Gross

But I still don't like that. I just think it'd be better than the alternative.

 

where's Torry Holt? and why is Jarius Poppers listed?

 

LT- Wharton
LG- Vincent
C- Kalil
RG- Bridges
RT- Gross

That doesn't seem any better than whatwe had last year, does it?

If we don't do something about our OL and DL with some serious upgrading, we are gonna suck, again.

7-9

 

They will draft at least one offensive lineman that they expect to contribute.

I think what might happen is they go DE or DT in the first round and then possibly move up in the second with that extra third rounder we got for Jenkins and get an offensive lineman.

 

I'll still have to see Hackett beat out Moose, but that's more of a title than an actual role. I figure they'll see about equal time if both are healthy.

Otherwise, this really won't matter/change before the draft.

 

Agreed

 

I expect that Moose will start the season as the #2. He knows Jake and should be able to adapt to the offense quicker even though we have changed OC since he was here.

 

From the sound of things, Moose might have to beat out Hackett.