CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- My projections for the Carolina Panthers depth chart including recent acquisitions and what might be anticipated heading into the start of free agency that begins today at 4 p.m. ET:
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb
Webb's re-signing, which happened Monday, was the only question here. It's a sign of just how much the organization likes the former University of Alabama-Birmingham star in terms of his versatility and locker room presence.
Running back: Jonathan Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker, draft pick
Whittaker was signed to a two-year deal on Monday, so the Panthers like what he offers as backup for Stewart with all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams to be released. A long-term solution may be sought in the draft that is deep at this position.
Fullback: Mike Tolbert, Richie Brockel
Panthers were 7-3 when Tolbert played last season. Enough said.
Wide receiver: Kelvin Benjamin, Brenton Bersin
Benjamin, last year's first-round draft pick, proved to be a solid long-term replacement for Steve Smith as the team's go-to receiver. Bersin, re-signed Monday to a one-year deal, is a nice role player.
Wide receiver: Draft pick/FA, Jerricho Cotchery
Cotchery offered solid veteran leadership last season, but lacks elite speed to be a solid No. 2 receiver. That player is likely to come in the draft, but don't rule out a free agent addition.
Wide receiver: Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown
Both offer speed, but neither has proven to be an elite receiver. If Ginn simply proves to be the solid kick returner he was at Carolina in 2013 then re-signing him on Monday was a good move.
Left tackle: Michael Oher, draft pick
He's struggled in recent years between Tennessee and Baltimore. He played right tackle last season for the Titans, but he's a cheap short-term solution to replace Byron Bell, who struggled a lot in 2014 on the left side. A tackle at No. 25 still is the front-runner for a first-round pick.
Left guard: Andrew Norwell, Amini Silatolu
No real concerns here with the emergence of Norwell late last season.
Center: Ryan Kalil, Brian Folkerts
Four-time Pro Bowler Kalil is the glue that holds this line together.
Right guard: Trai Turner, Chris Scott
Last year's third-round pick should be a long-term fixture here.
Right tackle: Mike Remmers, Nate Chandler
Chandler began last season as the starter, but Remmers earned the right to enter training camp there with a strong finish while Chandler was injured.
Tight end: Greg Olsen, free agent
Panthers still are interested in signing Ed Dickson to a multi-year deal if the price is right. Brandon Williams and Mike McNeil are still on the roster as well.
DEFENSE
Defensive end: Charles Johnson, Mario Addison
The biggest question here is whether the Panthers will restructure Johnson's contract, set to count $20 million against the 2015 salary cap. Addison is changes the pace well as a pass rush specialist.
Defensive tackle: Kawann Short, Dwan Edwards
Edwards is interested in returning and the Panthers have expressed an interest in him, but there is no deal yet. Don't rule out Carolina drafting a defensive tackle.
Defensive tackle: Star Lotulelei, Colin Cole
Aging veteran Cole was re-signed as a space-eater on run situations, but Lotulelei is the star of the interior line.
Defensive end: Kony Ealy, Wes Horton
Last year's second-round pick, Ealy, came on strong late in the season and could be the long-term replacement for Greg Hardy.
Strongside linebacker: A.J. Klein, Adarius Glanton
Two young, dependable players. The only question is whether veteran Chase Blackburn will be re-signed to add depth and play special teams. That's looking shaky.
Middle linebacker: Luke Kuechly, Ben Jacobs
Jacobs was re-signed to add depth and play special teams, but 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Kuechly seldom comes off the field.
Weakside linebacker: Thomas Davis, draft pick
Davis is playing the best football of his career, but he turns 32 this month. Look for a young prospect to be selected in the middle rounds of the draft.
Cornerback: Josh Norman, Carrington Byndom
Norman was as close to a shutdown corner as Carolina had last season. Fixture.
Cornerback: Free agent/draft pick, Bene' Benwikere
Benwikere finished the season as the every down corner, but the Panthers like him better at nickel. Finding a corner who will allow them to do that would be a big plus for this secondary.
Nickelback: Bene' Benwikere, Colin Jones
Jones proved serviceable late last season when Benwikere was forced to play outside, but Benwikere is the solution.
Strong safety: Roman Harper, FA/draft
The Panthers love Harper's veteran leadership, but he's 32 and at the back end of his career.
Free safety: Tre Boston, FA/draft
The release of Thomas DeCoud means the Panthers need to add depth here.
SPECIALISTS
Kicker: Graham Gano
Had an off year by his 2013 standards, but still solid.
Punter: Brad Nortman
A weapon at flipping the field, and will be more of one once the cover teams are upgraded.
Long snapper: J.J. Jansen
Steady says it all.
Punt returner: Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown or draft
General manager Dave Gettleman mentioned Ginn as a punt returner first in his news release announcing Ginn had been re-signed. Might be a hint.
Kick returner: Ted Ginn Jr., Fozzy Whittaker/draft
Same as above until somebody else proves they can do the job.