QUARTERBACK

Hopes are high within the organization that Jake Delhomme will be better than ever after having Tommy John surgery on his right (throwing) elbow. But it's not a certainty.

If Delhomme recovers fully, the Panthers can make another run at the playoffs. If he falters, second-year pro Matt Moore could be called upon again to start. Moore was impressive last year as an undrafted rookie, but it's still too early to assess how he'll do in the long run.

It's more than likely the Panthers will spend a fourth- or fifth-round pick on someone such as Southern California's John David Booty.

RUNNING BACK

With DeShaun Foster gone, the only support for DeAngelo Williams is from veteran Nick Goings, holdover backup Alex Haynes and free-agent signee LaBrandon Toefield, a five-year reserve in Jacksonville.

The Panthers probably will pick a back in the first three rounds. Names to watch: Oregon's Jonathan Stewart, Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall, Rutgers' Ray Rice, Texas' Jamaal Charles and East Carolina's Chris Johnson, Central Florida's Kevin Smith and Tulane's Matt Forte.

RECEIVER

Will Steve Smith get the help he needs this season?

The Panthers sure hope so. D.J. Hackett was an emerging star in Seattle but had injury problems last season. If he can stay healthy, he might well be the answer.

Carolina also brought back Muhsin Muhammad. The problem is, he'll be 35 next season.

Dwayne Jarrett, a second-round pick last season, is an enigma with six catches and no touchdowns in seven games last season.

TIGHT ENDS

The Panthers return Jeff King and Dante Rosario. They're a serviceable pair, but it wouldn't hurt to add another player to compete with them.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Panthers have signed three guards well in excess of 300 pounds in an attempt to have a more physical, punishing blocking scheme. Jordan Gross could move from right to left tackle, depending on whom the Panthers get, assuming they draft a player high at that position.

If Carolina gets a first-round tackle such as Boise State's Ryan Clady or Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah, its line becomes formidable.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Panthers barely mustered a pass rush last season and since have bid farewell to Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker.

Carolina is officially in rebuilding mode here and needs an end and a tackle in the draft.

Florida's Derrick Harvey would be a marvelous addition in the first round and would be instantly penciled in as the starter at right end. If he winds up elsewhere, free-agent signee Tyler Brayton and 2007 third-round pick Charles Johnson will compete for the job with Stanley McClover.

The Panthers must get some tackle help for starters Damione Lewis and Ma'ake Kemoeatu. They can dream of landing Southern California's Sedrick Ellis in the first round, but that's highly unlikely because he figures to be a top-10 pick.

LINEBACKERS

The addition of Landon Johnson in free agency gives the Panthers four legitimate starters for three positions.

Jon Beason returns to the middle after a monster rookie season. Strongside starter Thomas Davis is finally beginning to fulfill his promise. Johnson is likely to compete with Na'il Diggs for the weakside position.

SECONDARY

The cornerbacks look more solid than most NFL teams. The Panthers have three starters for two positions -- Ken Lucas, Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall.

Chris Harris is a fixture at strong safety, but the free safety position is a question mark. The Panthers signed former Arizona starter Terrance Holt, but he's coming off a subpar year with the Cardinals. His primary competition is Nate Salley.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The ever-reliable John Kasay is back as the kicker and the punting chores are ably handled by Jason Baker.

The return game is another matter. The Panthers desperately need Ryne Robinson to move forward with the momentum he showed late last season on kickoff and punt returns.

Carolina added some help by signing Cleveland free agent Ricardo Colclough.

But if the Panthers really want to add some zip to their returns, they should target a player such as Appalachian State's Dexter Jackson in the draft.