They’re not there yet, but steps are being made in the right direction
NFL media superstar Daniel Jeremiah has shared his checklist for building a championship foundation in the modern game several times since he’s had a platform. According to Jeremiah, the checklist for a championship caliber roster is as follows:
- (1) Quarterback
- (3) Offensive Playmakers
- (3) Quality Offensive Lineman
- (2) Pass Rushers
- (3) Defensive Playmakers
Checklist for building a championship foundation in today’s NFL
Role/Number of players
QB (1)
Pass rusher (2)
Off Playmaker (3)
Def Playmaker (3)
Quality OL (3) https://t.co/Fg5yizFeAK— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) October 6, 2021
Around this time of year in 2024, following the dismal 2023 season and the new brain trust set to lead the franchise, we evaluated where the Carolina Panthers roster based on Jeremiah’s wisdom. The results were… not great. The only item on the checklist that could conceivably be checked off was 3 quality offensive lineman. Any thing else could only be the result of blind optimism, at least in my opinion. While I always appreciate a little optimism, for the purpose of this exercise being disingenuous will only set you up for failure.
With that said, let’s take an objective look at where we stand one more year into the newest era of Panthers football.
One (1) Quarterback
Two things can be true: 1) Bryce Young had a phenomenal end to his 2024 season and 2) it’s still not enough to count him as a franchise quarterback. There’s no doubt a step was made in the right direction once Young and Canales hit their stride after Young’s return to the starting line-up after Andy Dalton’s car accident. If they continue that trajectory in their second year together, the verdict here should flip.
2024 verdict: Fail – but there’s still hope.
Current verdict: Fail – saw the flashes, now just need the consistency
Three (3) Offensive Playmakers
The Panthers made some heavy investments in offensive playmakers prior to the 2024 season and the jury is still out on most of them. Diontae Johnson flamed out spectacularly, but on the other hand Chuba Hubbard really came into his own as the Panthers lead back. Xavier Legette has the potential but is not there yet while Jonathan Brooks’ ACL re-tear of his ACL really put a damper on his long-term viability. If Tetairoa McMillan can have a rookie season that proves he was worth the top 10 selection, he’ll definitely apply but can’t count those chickens before they hatch. I love the flashes we saw from Ja’Tavion Sanders, but the production is not there yet either.
The veteran options are interesting and I’m tempted to count both Rico Dowdle and Adam Thielen. Thielen proved to me that he isn’t to old to be a playmaker so I’ll give the elder statesman an approving nod as he heads into what is likely his last season. I won’t argue if you wanted to count Dowdle, but a back-up running back on a one year deal feels more like insurance for Hubbard than a playmaker all on his own.
For those counting, that’s two playmakers: Hubbard and Thielen – then a sea of ‘maybe’. Can some combination of McMillan, Legette, and Sanders take that step? Time will tell.
2024 verdict: Fail – but the future depends on the 2024 draft class.
Current verdict: Fail – too early to know for sure
Three (3) Quality Offensive Lineman
Between Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Robert Hunt, and Taylor Moton I’m comfortable saying any 3 of those players would satisfy this category. An analysis earlier this offseason detailed some concerns I have for the long-term viability of the unit without an intentional effort to keep this strength strong, but for the purpose of this exercise the Panthers seemingly have a surplus of quality offensive lineman going into 2025. That’s not even counting some of the young pieces like Cade Mays and Chandler Zavala who both had positive showings in 2024.
2024 verdict: Pass – but please don’t make me regret saying that.
Current verdict: Pass – but continued investment needed to keep it that way
Two (2) Pass Rushers
In 2024, I marked this position as a categorical failure. Jadeveon Clowney was their most established pass rusher by far and he had never eclipsed 10 sacks in a season so I didn’t even count him. At the time, I quipped that you’d be better off studying the 2025 Edge prospects. Flash forward a year and that statement looks downright prescient since the Panthers invested in two impressive pass rushing prospects on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen . I have high hopes for the duo, but like I said at the beginning no one is getting a pass based on blind faith. While DJ Wonnum and Patrick Jones make for fine ancillary pieces to a pass rush room, they’re not enough to qualify here.
2024 verdict: Fail – start studying the 2025 Edge prospects.
Current verdict: Fail – but the young duo might have the juice.
Three (3) Defensive Playmakers
I desperately want to call this a pass and maybe I should. With a concerted effort to remain objective through this exercise, I’ll hear arguments in the comments that I’m being too pessimistic. Freshly extended cornerback Jaycee Horn and Brown who holds the NFL’s record for most tackles in a season by a defensive tackle are both surefire playmakers in my mind… when healthy. That’s always been a concern with Horn and Brown is coming off a season in which he only played in the season opener.
While 2nd year linebacker Trevin Wallace could easily become a playmaker this season if he evens out the rough edges to his game, but he doesn’t qualify yet. Where I’m conflicted is how to count new free agent additions Turk Wharton and Tre’Von Moehrig. While they were productive in their roles on their former teams in 2024, they join the Panthers where much more is going to asked of them than on their previous stops. Wharton’s pay grade is going to push him into more of a starting role compared to the rotational role he held in Kansas City and Moehrig’s role with the Panthers requires a more significant role in pass coverage than what was asked of him last year – where he made most of his plays lined up in the box.
Between the injury red flags on Horn and Brown, the role questions surrounding the new free agents, and the youth still requiring development, I’m leaning towards fail.