| Re: Carolina Panthers 2006 Training Camp Preview REPORT DATES: Rookies July 28th, Veterans July 28th SITE: Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC CAMP OBJECTIVES: The Panthers have undergone some changes at the skill positions in the offseason, and will try to find a place in the offense for rookie running back DeAngelo Williams (Memphis) and free agent wideout Keyshawn Johnson (Cowboys), first and foremost. The running back situation is interesting, since Williams, oft-injured holdover DeShaun Foster, and 2005 second-round pick Eric Shelton, that latter of whom missed all of his rookie season due to injury, all have significant talent. Could Foster or Shelton be deemed expendable? Johnson, meanwhile, will be looked to push inconsistent No. 2 wideout Keary Colbert, and both will be asked to take some of the pressure off of the overworked Steve Smith. On defense, there is intrigue at linebacker, as former starting LBs Will Witherspoon (Rams) and Brandon Short (released) are gone, and free agent pickups Na'il Diggs (Packers) and Keith Adams (Eagles) will battle with rookie James Anderson (Virginia Tech) and second-year man Thomas Davis for starting jobs. Up front, oft-injured tackle Kris Jenkins looks to return to his Pro Bowl form, and free agent acquisitions Damione Lewis (Rams) and Maake Kemoeatu (Ravens), will seek to add value to the defensive interior. PRESEASON SCHEDULE: vs. Buffalo (8/12); at Jacksonville (8/19); vs. Miami (8/24); at Pittsburgh (8/31) A lot of people are picknig this team as a Super Bowl Contender with the addtion of Keyshawn to compliment Steve Smith...but their runnning game still needs to be settled. I like Foster since his big days at UCLA, but he has had a lot of injures. Who will be the featured back on this team? |