Here’s a player-by-player look at the Carolina Panthers’ 53-man roster:
Quarterbacks (3)
Cam Newton: The franchise quarterback is healthier than he’s been since entering the NFL as the top pick of the 2011 draft.
Derek Anderson: Could start for at least a quarter of the teams in the NFL.
Joe Webb: Can play quarterback and all four units on special teams, in addition to wide receiver.
Running backs (5)
Jonathan Stewart: No longer in the shadows of Panthers' all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams.
Mike Tolbert: Panthers were 6-2 with him on the field in 2014. Enough said.
Fozzy Whittaker: A dependable third-down back and special teams player.
Cameron Artis-Payne: Impressive preseason. SEC’s leading rusher last season could be an every-down back if anything happens to Stewart.
Brandon Wegher: Undrafted rookie from Morningside College was kept over return specialist Jordan Todman. Fast and can play special teams.
Wide receivers (5)
Jerricho Cotchery: Experience makes him an asset as a slot receiver.
Devin Funchess: Only true candidate to replace Kelvin Benjamin as the No. 1 receiver.
Ted Ginn Jr.: For some reason he makes plays at Carolina; he doesn’t anywhere else. Also the punt and kickoff returner.
Corey Brown: Must get over preseason case of the drops to be a factor, but speed is blazing.
Kevin Norwood: A late pickup in a trade with Seattle who has good hands. Panthers liked him before 2014 draft.
Tight ends (4)
Greg Olsen: Expect the Pro Bowl tight end to lead the team in receiving again.
Ed Dickson: Expect him to be a bigger factor in the receiving game.
Richie Brockel: Valuable because he can play fullback or tight end.
Brandon Williams: Four tight ends a sign the Panthers want to utilize the two-tight end set a lot to compensate for WR situation.
Offensive line (9)
Ryan Kalil: A four-time Pro Bowl selection at center and the leader of the line.
Michael Oher: Appears to have solidified the left tackle position that was an issue last season.
Mike Remmers: Came out of nowhere to become the starter at right tackle, and now backup center.
Daryl Williams: The fourth-round pick easily could step into Remmers’ role at right tackle.
Nate Chandler: Can provide backup depth at tackle or guard.
Trai Turner: Last year’s third-round pick will be a fixture at right guard for years to come.
Andrew Norwell: Came out of nowhere as an undrafted rookie to solidify the left guard spot.
Amini Silatolu: A former starter at left guard who also can move to tackle.
Chris Scott: Has been plagued by injuries, but a keeper because he can play guard, tackle and center.
Defensive line (9)
Star Lotulelei: The team’s first-round pick in 2013 missed the entire preseason with a foot injury but is on target to play in opener.
Kawann Short: Second-round pick in 2013 has emerged as an impact player.
Colin Cole: Veteran who is a big part of the four-man rotation at tackle, particularly as a run-stopper.
Dwan Edwards: See Cole. In addition, he’s a good pass-rusher.
Kyle Love: Another veteran who adds depth and experience at DT.
Charles Johnson: Second on the team’s all-time sack list with 62.5, but missed the preseason with injuries.
Kony Ealy: Emerged as the every-down right DE to play opposite Johnson. Not quite to Greg Hardy’s level, though.
Mario Addison: A pass-rush specialist who had 6.5 sacks in 2014.
Wes Horton: Started 15 games as a run-stopper last season. Now a solid backup.
Linebackers (6)
Luke Kuechly: Has more tackles than any player in the NFL since 2012. Enough said.
Thomas Davis: Ron Rivera calls the 2014 NFL Man of the Year the most athletic OLB he’s ever seen. Key leader as well.
Shaq Thompson: The first-round draft pick is considered the X factor at OLB with ability to cover and blitz.
David Mayo: The fifth-round pick is here because he can play special teams.
A.J. Klein: Still listed as starter at one OLB spot, although Thompson will take that over. Here because of special teams.
Ben Jacobs: The Panthers said they were keeping players specifically for special teams. Here’s one for sure.
Cornerbacks (4)
Josh Norman: As close to a shutdown cornerback as the Panthers have.
Charles Tillman: The 34-year-old veteran has solidified the CB spot opposite Norman.
Bene’ Benwikere: Can be an every-down corner, as he proved late last season, but best for this defense as the nickelback.
Teddy Williams: Brought in to shore up special teams, but played well enough at cornerback to make the roster.
Safety (5)
Roman Harper: Has made easy transition from starting strong safety to free safety.
Tre Boston: Ended last season as the starting free safety and still will play a lot behind Harper. Young and fast.
Kurt Coleman: Stepping up as the starting strong safety after being acquired in free agency has solidified this secondary.
Colin Jones: Versatile. Can play safety, nickelback and is an ace on special teams.
Dean Marlowe: A surprise keeper, but the former James Madison star had a solid camp.
Specialists (3)
PK Graham Gano: His consistency gets overlooked in the NFL, but not by Panthers. Will be big on the longer extra point with his accuracy.
P Brad Nortman: His ability to flip the field plays a big role on effectiveness of defense.
DS J.J. Jansen: A 2013 Pro Bowl selection as a deep snapper. Has made a career doing that.