Panthers release depth chart showing three rookies starting on defense

The Panthers released their first unofficial depth chart and it does have a few surprises, especially on defense. For instance, in cases where it seemed to be a close competition the rookie got the nod over the veteran. Case in point: defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos starting over the veteran Stephen Weatherly. I’m excited to see this kid play.

While we don’t draft players to ride the bench, it is surprising to see a couple rookies get the nod over veterans. This is a move we would rarely see from the Panthers last two head coaches, Ron Rivera and John Fox.