6 Carolina Panthers players to watch as spring workouts begin
The nine weeks of largely voluntary sessions will feature newly drafted rookies as soon as two weeks from now.
But six key players who are on the roster already are important to monitor.
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It's a huge year for the wide receiver, who stepped into the No. 1 role last season when
The Panthers must decide whether Funchess is a player in whom they want to invest long-term. He's in a contract year and because he wasn't a first-round pick, a fifth-year option is not available to the team.
Olsen is itching for a strong comeback season following the first serious injury of his career, a broken foot that required surgery and placed him on injured reserve for eight weeks.
In 2016, Olsen became the first tight end in
It's no secret that Olsen has long been quarterback
After veteran running back
It's likely the Panthers will draft a running back, but for now, Artis-Payne has two weeks to impress the staff without a rookie on the roster.
Rivera made it clear at the league meetings last month that he'd like to see Bradberry improve with a little competition added to the secondary, indicating that this was not the case with former third-year corner
Bradberry has all of the physical and mental tools required to become a standout corner in the
His progress from his second to third year will be crucial -- and a deep class of rookies might be breathing hot on his heels.
Thompson will start in place of veteran linebacker Thomas Davis when the season begins, while Davis serves a four-game suspension for violating the
Thompson will also be expected to take on a leadership role through spring and summer workouts.
The second-year tackle/guard was a backup during his rookie season, only appearing as a stacked tackle in Carolina's "Jumbo" package.
This year, he may be tasked with replacing All-Pro guard
Moton's ability to step up into the role is a big factor for what Carolina will do in the draft to stock the offensive line.
Battle to watch
General manager
But where I remain the most intrigued is at nickel, where
Luke was an undrafted free agent pickup from Notre Dame who notably improved week after week in training camp, drawing the attention of coaches and even star linebacker
The Panthers may have to lean heavily on their traditional nickel package with Thompson filling in for Davis to start the season. Finding the right player for that task, especially with additional changes at cornerback and safety, will be important.
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