Carolina rebuilt a stout defensive front with Derrick Brown and added two young pass-rushers, plus Tre'Von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom at safety. Yet as Week 1 vs Jacksonville looms, Nick Scott is still highlighted as the weak link in the back end, and the defense faces holes at middle linebacker and on the edge. Despite pursuing proven safeties and adding talent, the Panthers’ improvement hinges on rookies growing into roles and better overall coverage from the secondary.

Analysts warn that if the Jaguars put up 25+ in Week 1, Carolina’s remaining holes will be exposed quickly. Fantasy managers should monitor Moehrig and Ransom’s development and any early snap counts for the rookie safety, while edge options and the run-stopping front continue to shape up as the unit’s fantasy upside.