If the Carolina Panthers want to bounce back from a disappointing 5-11 season in 2019, they'll need a few players to step up their games. While it'll be interesting to see the beginning of a new era in Carolina under first-year head coach Matt Rhule, who on the roster will have that sorely-needed breakout season?

Ian Thomas

The Panthers drafted Indiana tight end, Ian Thomas, in the fourth round of the 2018 draft with the hopes that he could replace Pro Bowl TE Greg Olsen. Well, Olsen is now gone and as a result, Thomas has his chance to shine.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound tight end already made some nice strides between his first and second season but going into year number three, Thomas has a real chance to become a major target for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Last season, Thomas posted 36 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns in only six starts. With the starting job likely all his, Thomas could develop into one of the league's best young tight ends.

Brian Burns

The Panthers found an absolute gem when they selected Florida State pass-rusher Brian Burns with the 16th overall pick in 2019. Burns put together a great rookie season but going into his second year, expectations are even higher.

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At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds with incredible athleticism, Burns is a nightmare to deal with and despite only making five starts last season for Carolina, Burns managed to record 25 tackles, 16 QB hits and 7.5 sacks.

With defenses now having to focus on an interior presence like Derrick Brown, more lanes should open up for Burns to do what he does best — get to the quarterback.

Reggie Bonnafon

A lackluster collegiate career forced Bonnafon to go undrafted in 2019, but it seems as though the Panthers have found themselves a diamond in the rough in the former UDFA. Of course, Christian McCaffrey will carry the load of the Panthers rushing attack (and much of the passing game as well), but every team needs a solid No. 2 back.

Despite appearing in all 16 games as a rookie last season, Bonnafon only managed to get 16 caries for the whole season. However, Bonnafon made the most of his touches, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown as well as catching six of his nine targets for 57 yards.

Don't expect Bonnafon to be a star or anything, but the former Lousiville back has great size 6-foot, 215 pounds) and speed (4.41 forty-yard dash) and could become the reliable second option for a guy that usually carries the team on his back.