SportingNews.com - NFL - Panthers Team Report
Although rookie WR Dwayne Jarrett missed some of camp with an injury, Drew Carter and Keary Colbert didn't do much toward claiming the starting job. If Jarrett can show he's comfortable with the playbook in the last two preseason games, he likely will be the opening day starter opposite Steve Smith.
NEWCOMER REPORT: Second-round C Ryan Kalil has started working with the first-team offense with Justin Hartwig moving from center to right guard. That allows the team to get its five best linemen on the field at the same time. Kalil comes in as a very polished player after a productive college career. He's intelligent and has had little problem making the line calls. He's also athletic and quick and is a perfect fit for the team's new zone-blocking scheme.
PROBLEM SPOT: The team's starting safeties have changed since the beginning of camp. FS Mike Minter retired early in camp and SS Nate Salley missed much of camp with an injury. Salley is back at practice but working in a backup role at free safety. Chris Harris, brought in through a trade with Chicago, is working as the starting strong safety and journeyman Deke Cooper is the free safety. Harris and Cooper each have upside, but they don't have much starting experience. That will put more pressure on the corners and the front seven of the defense.