Where Each Panthers' Position Group Ranks in the NFL

ESPN's Mike Clay recently put out his 2023 NFL projections which included stats, standings, depth charts, position group rankings and much more.

Below, you'll see what Clay thinks of each position group on the Panthers' roster along with my analysis of his ranking.

Quarterbacks: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, Matt Corral

Clay's Ranking: 25th

My analysis: Right on the money. Bryce Young has the potential to be a franchise QB but he's yet to play a down yet. Andy Dalton is arguably the best backup QB in the league, so 25th makes sense to me.

Running backs: Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear, Spencer Brown

Clay's Ranking: 23rd

My analysis: In the ballpark. You could make an argument for this group to be notch or two higher or lower, depending on how much you think of Chuba Hubbard.

Wide Receivers: DJ Chark, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr.

Clay's Ranking: 27th

My analysis: A little generous. Look, I get the hype around Terrace Marshall Jr., but until he delivers I don't buy it. Chark has injury concerns, Thielen is getting older, Shenault has a limited route tree, and Mingo is a rookie. It's a room with a lot of upside but a lot of question marks as well.

Tight Ends: Hayden Hurst, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Stephen Sullivan

Clay's Ranking: 22nd

My analysis: Higher than expected. Hayden Hurst is clearly the best pass-catching threat the Panthers have had at the position since Greg Olsen, but he's not that good. I would have this group in the bottom four of five.

Offensive Line: Ikem Ekownu, Brady Christensen, Bradley Bozeman, Cade Mays, Taylor Moton

Clay's Ranking: 22nd

My analysis: With Austin Corbett expected to miss some time, this ranking is fair although I'd have them a few spots higher. Once Corbett returns, I view it as a top 10-12 unit.

Interior Defensive Line: Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, Henry Anderson, DeShawn Williams, Bravvion Roy

Clay's Ranking: 15th

My analysis: In the ballpark. Brown and Tuttle will be a major problem for opposing teams to deal with but Anderson and Williams will line up more at defensive end and offer minimal production.

Edge: Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr., DJ Johnson, Amare Barno

Clay's Ranking: 28th

My analysis: On the money. If it weren't for Burns, this group would be dead last. Gross-Matos' transition to a 3-4 is going to be...interesting.

Off-Ball Linebackers: Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Brandon Smith, Arron Mosby

Clay's Ranking: 2nd

My analysis: I see it. I believe this is more of a top-five-ish group but I can see Clay's point. Luvu is severely underrated and should be a Pro Bowler next season.

Cornerbacks: Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, CJ Henderson, Keith Taylor Jr., Stantley Thomas-Oliver III

Clay's Ranking: 18th

My analysis: Spot on. The cornerback room is top heavy. Horn and Jackson are as good as it gets when healthy. But beyond them, it's an adventure.

Safeties: Jeremy Chinn, Vonn Bell, Xavier Woods, Eric Rowe, Sam Franklin Jr.

Clay's Ranking: 12th

My analysis: In the ballpark. I'd have them in the top ten, especially with the addition of Vonn Bell.

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