The Carolina Panthers are coming off a disappointing campaign capped with a 5-11 record to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year. An injury-plagued season by star running back Christian McCaffrey along with stiffer competition in the NFC South all contributed to the Panthers' struggles in 2020.
Heading to next season, head coach Matt Rhule will aim to gain better results in his second year as the team's tactician. Aside from McCaffrey's comeback season along with the arrival of quarterback Sam Darnold, the Panthers would also need their other role players to step up and deliver on the field.
Here are the two underrated players who could make an impact for the Panthers in 2021:
1. Dan Arnold
When thinking about the Panthers' offensive weapons, players like McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Robby Anderson would initially come to one's mind. However, Carolina managed to pick up a serviceable asset during the offseason in tight end Dan Arnold who could also make valuable contributions in the scoring department next season.
Last year, Arnold broke out for his former team in the Arizona Cardinals. He bumped his production and racked up a career-best 438 receiving yards on 31 receptions to go with four touchdowns in 16 games played. Opting to have a change in scenery, the Wisconsin native decided to take his talents to the Panthers via a two-year deal.
Given that the team has a shortage of reliable tight ends in its current roster, he can easily play a valuable role within the Panthers' offense in 2021. Not to mention wide receiver Curtis Samuel's recent departure to the Washington Football Team which would eventually give more touches to the team's other offensive weapons including Arnold.
His arrival to the Panthers will definitely benefit their new QB1 in Sam Darnold who is also aiming to have a comeback season of his own. Ultimately, offensive coordinator Joe Brady is hoping that Dan Arnold can successfully fill in the huge hole in the tight end position and become an added threat for the team's offense next season.
2. Yetur Gross-Matos
Coming off an accomplished three-year amateur career with the Penn State Nittany Lions, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos became one of the most sought-after prospects heading to the 2020 NFL Draft. At the time, the Panthers wanted to upgrade its defensive rotation so they opted to nab him with the 38th pick in the second round.
Unfortunately, Gross-Matos wasn't able to fully contribute as a rookie due to an ankle injury that he suffered in Week 5 of last season. He only appeared in 12 games for the Panthers and recorded 24 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Despite missing out on several games, everyone knew that Gross-Matos has a promising potential that he can reach as his career progresses.
During the offseason, the Panthers added another pass-rusher in Haason Reddick from the Cardinals who is expected to take away minutes from the incoming sophomore. Luckily for Gross-Matos, defensive coordinator Phil Snow likes to shuffle multiple players on his defensive line which may still allow him to see action and make an impact on the field next season.
Despite having an injury-plagued campaign as a rookie, the Panthers continue to put their trust in the capabilities of Yetur Gross-Matos. They are still hoping that he can stay healthier and make a leap in his second season in a bid to beef up Carolina's defensive unit in 2021.
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