ESPN shows little faith in the Panthers in latest power rankings

Following the draft and the conclusion of rookie minicamp, ESPN put together its latest power rankings Monday. 

It is safe to say that ESPN wasn't high on the Carolina Panthers, despite claiming some modest areas of improvement through free agency and the draft. 

In the most recent power rankings, Carolina ranked No. 32, with the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals directly above it. 

Here is what David Newton, who covers the Panthers for ESPN, had to say about where the team stands after claiming the offensive line was the most improved aspect of the roster.

"This easily could have been wide receiver with the additions of Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette, but quarterback Bryce Young was sacked a team-record 62 times, so giving him time to find his receivers was the first priority," Newton writes. "GM Dan Morgan did that by signing free agent guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and shifting guard Austin Corbett to center. Inside pressure resulted in 35 of Young's sacks and hindered his ability to effectively run the offense."

Though the Panthers were the worst team in the NFL during the 2023 season, the moves made in the offseason have already made the team better. 

I would posit Carolina is already better than Denver, New England and Arizona. However, with how much is new about the Panthers, the national media narrative remains "wait and see." 

Football isn't played on paper. But if the names on paper play up to their potential, Carolina won't be ranked last in the league in national power rankings much longer.