The Panthers Own the NFC South's 'Best Roster'

There's quite a different feeling surrounding the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2023 season with arguably one of the top coaching staffs in the league and the No. 1 pick, Bryce Young, ready to turn the franchise around.

The division isn't as strong as it has been in years past, so is it possible for the Panthers to sit atop the South with a rookie QB? Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated believes so, crowning the Panthers with the best roster in the division.

"The Panthers aren’t far ahead of the Falcons and Saints, but they get the top spot because they have fewer holes on a roster made up of quality veterans, Pro Bowlers, and promising young players.

"After the Panthers’ No. 1 selection of Young, the offensive depth chart looks to be in good shape—there isn’t a glaring position hole. It’s not a stacked group, and it doesn’t feature a scary trio like the one in Atlanta, but it’s one that will help Young establish a rhythm early in his rookie season.

"Again, it’s not a star-studded roster, but Young has a strong supporting cast to deliver a memorable rookie season with, and the defense is ascending with Burns leading the charge. Expect the Panthers to win a wide-open NFC South."

A rookie quarterback is going to go through some growing pains but in order to combat that, you must have a strong rushing attack and a stingy defense that creates takeaways. The Panthers have that. Now, they need to do a better job of forcing turnovers but it is still considered to be one of the top defensive units in the league. As long as those two aspects of the team hold up their end of the bargain, the Panthers will be in the mix to win their first division title since 2015.

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