Predicting Winners of Panthers Biggest Position Battles

The Carolina Panthers already have one preseason game out of the way. It was exciting to see the team back on the field in the Hall of Fame Game, and we learned a great deal from that matchup.

There are still several position battles that are raging on, though. The Panthers improved the overall talent on the roster this offseason and added competition at several spots.

Today, let's talk about the biggest position battles going on and predict who will end up winning the battle.

RB1: Jonathon Brooks or Chuba Hubbard?

Jonathon Brooks has been one of the stars of the summer for the Panthers. Brooks is finally healthy ahead of his third NFL season, and he's looked just as explosive as he did in college. The Panthers have given Brooks some first-team snaps as well.

We have to remember that Chuba Hubbard is still around, too. Hubbard had a down 2025, but he was a reliable starter who had over 1,000 yards in 2024. Hubbard isn't as explosive as Brooks, but he's a reliable pass-catcher and runs with authority.

The Panthers will be cautious with Brooks because of his injury history. It seems likely that Hubbard begins as the starter, with Brooks taking over as the season goes on.

Winner: Chuba Hubbard (for now)

WR3: Xavier Legette, David Moore, or Jimmy Horn Jr.?

The WR3 battle was much more interesting a month ago when it was between Xavier Legette and rookie Chris Brazzell II. Unfortunately, Brazzell suffered a season-ending injury, which means Legette is the clear favorite to win the spot.

Veteran David Moore and second-year Jimmy Horn Jr. can't be ruled out, though. Moore is loved by the coaching staff, and Horn could still have some untapped upside. It still seems like Legette's job to lose, though, as he tries to prove he was worth a first-round draft pick still.

Winner: Xavier Legette

Center: Luke Fortner or Sam Hecht?

There were several questions about this offensive line entering camp, but now there seems to be just one. Will veteran Luke Fortner be able to hold off rookie Sam Hecht for the starting center job?

Hecht was thought to have a real chance, but Fortner has been much more impressive of late. The Panthers still like Hecht's potential and think he can be a starter in the future, but for now, Fortner is the guy.

Winner: Luke Fortner

Edge Rusher: Patrick Jones II or Princely Umanmielen?

This is another position battle that's been greatly impacted by injury. Nic Scourton is out for the year, which means either Patrick Jones II or Princely Umanmielen will now get the chance to start in 2026.

Jones only played in four games in 2025, ending with nine tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. Umanmielen, meanwhile, appeared in 16 games as a rookie and collected 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Umanmielen definitely has more upside, but Jones is more proven. The Panthers can't afford to gamble on upside without Scourton, so I see Jones getting the starting nod.

Winner: Patrick Jones II

Free Safety: Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, or Zakee Wheatley?

The free safety spot was one position I was confident could be won by a young player. Lathan Ransom in Year 2 and Zakee Wheatley as a rookie both seemed like prime candidates to bump Nick Scott off.

Unfortunately, Ransom has been quiet this summer, and Wheatley looks like he needs some time before he's ready to start. Scott was underwhelming in 2025, but he's a favorite of the coaching staff, and he's been more reliable than the two youngsters at least.

Scott holds onto the job for now, but I'm not giving up on Wheatley potentially starting one day.

Winner: Nick Scott