Carolina Panthers' 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Carolina Panthers' 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Jason Fletcher

July 17, 2015

Carolina Panthers' 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Luke Kuechly Panthers — The Carolina Panthers enter the 2015 NFL season as the two-time defending NFC South champions. In order to win a third consecutive division title, the Panthers are going to need major contributions from everyone on the roster. There are, however, a handful of players the Panthers can't afford to lose in their quest for the playoffs. Here is the list of the Panthers' five most irreplaceable players.

The Carolina Panthers enter the 2015 NFL season as the two-time defending NFC South champions. In order to win a third consecutive division title, the Panthers are going to need major contributions from everyone on the roster. There are, however, a handful of players the Panthers can't afford to lose in their quest for the playoffs. Here is the list of the Panthers' five most irreplaceable players.

5. TE Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen Panthers

5. TE Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen Panthers — I struggled with putting Greg Olsen or center Ryan Kalil in this spot, but I gave the edge to Olsen because of what he means to Cam Newton. Olsen is Newton's security blanket on third downs, and he actually led the Panthers in receptions in 2014 despite having 24 less targets than Kelvin Benjamin. Olsen is a tremendous route-runner, has great hands and will give his best while blocking. He's essential for the Panthers' offense.

I struggled with putting Greg Olsen or center Ryan Kalil in this spot, but I gave the edge to Olsen because of what he means to Cam Newton. Olsen is Newton's security blanket on third downs, and he actually led the Panthers in receptions in 2014 despite having 24 less targets than Kelvin Benjamin. Olsen is a tremendous route-runner, has great hands and will give his best while blocking. He's essential for the Panthers' offense.

4. WR Kelvin Benjamin

Kelvin Benjamin Panthers

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4. WR Kelvin Benjamin

Kelvin Benjamin Panthers — Kelvin Benjamin's presence in the red zone can't be overstated. He stands 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, so all Newton has to do is throw the ball high and Benjamin can go up and snatch it out of the air. While Benjamin struggled with some drops last season, he finally gave Newton a No. 1 receiver to target. If Benjamin can eliminate some of those drops, he could be in for a massive season in 2015.

Kelvin Benjamin's presence in the red zone can't be overstated. He stands 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, so all Newton has to do is throw the ball high and Benjamin can go up and snatch it out of the air. While Benjamin struggled with some drops last season, he finally gave Newton a No. 1 receiver to target. If Benjamin can eliminate some of those drops, he could be in for a massive season in 2015.

3. LB Thomas Davis

Thomas Davis Panthers

3. LB Thomas Davis

Thomas Davis Panthers — Thomas Davis is possibly the most athletic linebacker in the NFL despite being 32 years old. After playing safety at Georgia, Davis has become a devastating force at linebacker for the Panthers. He can cover sideline-to-sideline, he's great in coverage and he's so quick when blitzing that it's hard to block him. Davis has had to deal with three torn ACLs in his career, so Panthers fans have to hold their breath that his knees hold up.

Thomas Davis is possibly the most athletic linebacker in the NFL despite being 32 years old. After playing safety at Georgia, Davis has become a devastating force at linebacker for the Panthers. He can cover sideline-to-sideline, he's great in coverage and he's so quick when blitzing that it's hard to block him. Davis has had to deal with three torn ACLs in his career, so Panthers fans have to hold their breath that his knees hold up.

2. QB Cam Newton

Cam Newton Panthers

2. QB Cam Newton

Cam Newton Panthers — Cam Newton has as much pure talent as any quarterback in the NFL. His issue has been putting it all together on the football field. I will say that Newton's had to deal with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL the last couple of seasons, and the Panthers have never surrounded him with weapons until this season. If Newton can finally fix his footwork and accuracy, the Panthers could be looking at feats bigger than a division title.

Cam Newton has as much pure talent as any quarterback in the NFL. His issue has been putting it all together on the football field. I will say that Newton's had to deal with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL the last couple of seasons, and the Panthers have never surrounded him with weapons until this season. If Newton can finally fix his footwork and accuracy, the Panthers could be looking at feats bigger than a division title.

1. LB Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly Panthers

1. LB Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly Panthers — The Panthers can't afford to lose Luke Kuechly at any point during his career. His impact on the field is astronomical. Kuechly is the leader of the defense, and the entire team for that matter. He's the guy who's going to motivate and lead by example, which is something that's invaluable. Kuechly is the best tackler in the NFL, has a nose for the football and can cover tight ends. Kuechly is the best linebacker we've seen in a long time.

The Panthers can't afford to lose Luke Kuechly at any point during his career. His impact on the field is astronomical. Kuechly is the leader of the defense, and the entire team for that matter. He's the guy who's going to motivate and lead by example, which is something that's invaluable. Kuechly is the best tackler in the NFL, has a nose for the football and can cover tight ends. Kuechly is the best linebacker we've seen in a long time.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

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