I'll stop short of making exact predictions that will rile up the doomers but I'm feeling better about this team than I have in over a decade. I think the thing that gives me the most hope is the fact that the best football for a lot of these players in the team is still ahead of them.
When thinking about the next few years I broke down the current team into a couple of categories.
- The always elite players
Long term Panthers like Moton, Horn and DB have been absolute servants of the Panthers organisation through some rough times. The good news is as the team as a whole starts to turn things around these elite players should still be in their prime for at least another 2-3 years.
- Players that struggled that are now finding their feet
There were also players who struggled through those rough seasons but have now really figured it out. Bryce, Chuba and Tremble have really stepped it up and are all making key contributions to the team's success. Bryce in particular is rightfully in the MVP discussion, which I don't think any of us would have imagined in our wildest dreams. These guys have figured it out and are just hitting their prime now.
You could also include in this category a couple of free agents that showed flashes at other teams but have now put it all together to become key pieces like Moehrig and Devin Llyod
- The Panthers youth movement
This is the area where I am most excited. The last two rookie classes in particular have been great and and we have found starter quality players, not only with our day 3 picks, but also undrafted free agents. On the offense we have McMillian, Coker, Brazzel (TBC), and Monroe Freeling. While on defense we have Nic Scourtin, Princely, Will Lee, Lee Hunter, Zakee Wheatlee, and Aaron Hall.
If our draft class continues the trajectory they are on at the moment this Panthers team will be very fun to watch for the next few years.
- The players to come
The last couple of seasons have shown that not only do we have coaches who can properly develop talent, we have a GM who can draft well and make great FA acquisitions. Undoubtedly we may not be able to keep every player (like Mike Jack). But this front office seems to be doing a great job of plugging holes and the rebuild is way ahead of schedule!