
| Eight players to watch as camp opens |
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| Written by Steve Reed |
| Wednesday, July 28, 2010 1:53 pm |
![]() A lot of folks are wondering what Armanti Edwards will do at the NFL level. (AP Photo) SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Here are eight players to watch as the Carolina Panthers take the practice field Thursday at Wofford College. QB Matt Moore: All eyes will be on Moore, who assumes the starting quarterback job following the departure of veteran Jake Delhomme. Even though Jimmy Clausen has signed, the Panthers will likely give Moore a fairly long leash given his past success with the team. Moore was 4-1 as Carolina's starter last year and boasted a QB rating of 98.5. He showed signs he can be a player and will see plenty of action even if he doesn't start. Right now he's working behind starters Tyler Brayton and Charles Johnson. WR Armanti Edwards: The Panthers gave up a second-round pick in 2011 to get Edwards, but it may take some time for him to make the transition from college quarterback to wide receiver. In the meantime, look for Edwards to return punts and possibly see some action in the Wildcat. The Panthers haven't put in that package yet, but it could be coming soon. DT Louis Leonard: He showed potential early last season after being acquired in a trade, but broke his ankle in a bizarre injury against Atlanta. Leonard will be asked to man the middle along with Tank Tyler and help the Panthers stuff the run. It's a position in which the Panthers need to stay healthy. WR Dwayne Jarrett: It's now or never for Jarrett, who has been a tease in the past. He's wallowed away in obscurity for three seasons but if this former second-round pick is going to shine, the time is now. He has a chance to start opposite Steve Smith, but if he plans to beat out rookie Brandon LaFell he'll need to step up. SS Sherrod Martin: He takes over for the hard-hitting Chris Harris, who was dealt to Chicago this past offseason for linebacker Jamar Williams. Martin played well in five starts last year and seems to have a knack for making plays. He doesn't hit as hard as Harris, but he's a faster and healthier. FB Tony Fiammetta: With Brad Hoover gone, the Panthers are counting on Fiammetta to open holes for Pro Bowl running back DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. LB Jon Beason: Will he be moving to weak side linebacker for good following the injury to Thomas Davis? That's a big question and one the Panthers will need to work through as training camp unfolds. Beason is clearly their best remaining linebacker, but will moving him be a good thing? If he does move, Dan Connor will start in the middle. If he stays, Jamar Williams could get a shot on the weak side. |