Carolina Panthers 24.5 PPG, Sacks 27: 32nd

The Carolina Panthers were woefully bad last year, in one of the worst NFL performances in quite some time. They were bad on all three levels, but only 27 sacks is embarrassing. They rarely had a positive game script and the defensive numbers reflect that. Panther’s owner Dave Tepper’s lack of patience is on display as well, he is on his seventh Head Coach since 2019. 

The Panthers allowed 24.5 points per game and had zero pass rush, their offense’s only bright spot was Adam Thielen. Defensively Brian Burns was a shining spot, and Shaq Thompson only appeared in two games. Losing the captain in any sport is difficult, but Thompson is the second longest tenured player behind long snapper JJ Jansen, he is an emotional leader of the team.

2024 Projection: 32nd

Dave Tepper may know how to hedge money, but he is lacking in football operation intelligence. He is seeking a quick fix to a dynamic issue; his team is old, void of playmakers, and is a constant coaching carousel which does not allow for a Head Coach to till the soil and allow his philosophy to take root. As the famous expression goes, ‘If nothing changes, nothing changes’, and the 2024 Panthers should expect more of the same.

It was an overhaul on defense with seven new faces, and two draft picks on the second unit. There could be improvement but it’s going to take time to learn the terminology, audibles, and the rhythm of being on the field in a live action game. The offense is not going to be much better, even with Head Coach Dave Canales “the quarterback whisper”. Look for another rough year in the bottom of the NFL.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB – Shaq Thompson
DB- Jordan Fuller

LB – Josey Jewell

Shaq Thompson is in fact the old vet, who has been with the organization longer than the owner. Thompson has seen several coaches come and go, but he remains the constant. He has never been awarded a Pro Bowl or been selected to an All-Pro team, but he is the best IDP on this roster, even if he has been forgotten. Prior to last year’s injury he had four seasons with over 100 tackles, and is the green-dot, implying he is on the field for all three downs. 

He should have a bounce back season with a lot of minutes on the field. He could see a career high in snaps this season, and record career high numbers on the way. He should once again have 100 tackles at minimum and a few other stats along the way. 

Thompson is going late in most drafts, even in leagues which require more IDPs. He is a valuable IDP and should have a high floor due to his tackles. If waiting to draft IDPs until after all the offense is drafted Thompson is a perfect linebacker to pick up late and start all season.

Jordan Fuller left Los Angeles for the greener pastures of Charlotte. In doing so the Panther have a ball-hawking, sure-tackling, free safety. In Fuller’s two complete seasons, he has over 200 combined tackles. He has earned 7 interceptions and 17 passes defended in 46 games started, and is truly a great defensive back.

There is potential for Fuller to set career highs in tackles, as he could be involved on the weak side of pass coverages. Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn has potential to shut down his receiver, which should allow Fuller to “cheat” over in man coverages. He will also see three great tight ends in the NFC South that are heavily involved in their respective offenses; Kyle Pitts, Taysom Hill, and Cade Otten.

Fuller is going later in most drafts and he does have value in standard leagues. As with most defensive backs, they go late but Fuller could be a top ten defensive back in 2024. He has a high floor and is worth  a near the end draft pick in standard leagues.

Josey Jewell is reunited with Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero, and it could serve him well. Jewell understands the defense, the terminology and knows his role. He will be beside S. Thompson and they should make 80% or more of the tackles in runs in the middle of the field. 

Jewell has three years with over 100 tackles, but his best season came with Evero in 2022. Jewell recorded 128 combined tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback hits, 4 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 sacks. He did it all in 13 games too. 

Should he replicate those numbers he will be rostered in 98% of all IDP leagues in week 14. As of now he goes undrafted in most standard leagues, and late in leagues which require more starters. In a standard league it would be wise to look elsewhere, but in leagues with deeper benches or two plus linebacker requirements it would be wise to draft him. He could start hot and be traded, or start hot and remain hot. In which scenario he would likely be a top thirty linebacker.

Tomorrow the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.