Panthers made this offseason created a situation

Without many of the familiar faces of recent years, the Panthers will depend on a new cast if they're to make anything of the coming year.

After jettisoning popular and productive veterans in favor of young (i.e. cheap) players, the Panthers will be relying on folks they've never had to before.

Here's a look at the five guys under the most scrutiny when they report to Wofford next week:

QB Matt Moore

For three seasons, Moore's been defined by his easygoing demeanor as much as his on-field serendipity. Now, the pressure's on, and he'll need to stay cool to remain the starter.

He's made the most of his chances, going 6-2 in meaningless December games.

This time, there will be actual consequences when he steps on the field. The Panthers won't be eliminated from playoff contention when he walks into the huddle in September, and opponents will actually bother game-planning against him.

He'll also have to become more assertive in the locker room. In the absence of Jake Delhomme, teammates will be looking for Moore to lead as much as throw passes. As a backup, Moore has been able to respond with a grin and a shrug. This year, much more will be expected of him.

The presence of future replacement Jimmy Clausen adds to the heat Jonathan Stewart  under Moore, and with a contract that only promises this season, it amounts to a one-year audition.

DE Charles Johnson

Hey, no sweat Charles. All you really have to do is replace Julius Peppers.

It's unfair to expect Peppers-level production from the fourth-year end. It's unfair to expect it from anyone. But Johnson will be the guy running through the tunnel in Peppers' spot, which means eyes will be on him.

Johnson's shown flashes of pass-rush potential the last few years. He has 10 sacks in three seasons, but if he doesn't push that number this season, it could put the Panthers in a tough spot.

He's not the only one expected to pressure the passer. They're going to need Everette Brown and others to contribute. But as the starter, the onus is on Johnson to prove himself.

Johnson also has his own incentive to do well, since he's in the last year of his rookie contract, and could stand to cash in somewhere (perhaps even here) with a breakout season.

WR Dwayne Jarrett

So what's it going to be Dwayne? Are you going to be like Keyshawn Johnson (who you look like in practice) or Keary Colbert (who you resemble in games)?

Jarrett's been nothing more than a tease for three seasons. After catching 41 touchdowns in three seasons at Southern Cal, he caught his first in the NFL against the Saints' reserves in the 2009 finale.

As long as he's disappointed here, there have been excuses made for him. They're all gone. No veterans in front of him, no myths of quarterbacks who'll only throw to the other guy.

This year, it's all on Jarrett to decide whether he wants to be DeAngelo Williams a player, or just another cautionary tale against drafting skill position players from USC.

Head trainer Ryan Vermillion

While you can't blame injuries on the training staff -- they're just there to look after the victims - it is imperative that the Panthers stay healthy while they're in Spartanburg.

The offseason philosophy has created a team with decent front-line talent, but little to no depth. That means no margin of error whatsoever.

You can say this of most teams, but the choices the Panthers jerseys made this offseason created a situation in which wins and losses will track perfectly with the number of guys on injured reserve.

A rash of injuries at any spot will make a hash of this roster, but some positions are thinner than most. If the bug hits the already thin linebackers or receivers, the defensive line or the secondary, things could get ugly in a hurry.

DT Tank Tyler

Lost in the glare of Peppers leaving was the fact another 50 percent of the defensive line followed him out the door.

While Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu didn't add star power to the roster, they did lend a certain gravity - the assurance of having known commodities in the middle of the defense.

Now, the interior line needs name tags, because it's hard to tell at the moment who's going to step into a larger role.

The Panthers would love it if Tyler delivers on his potential. Miscast in Kansas City's 3-4, the Panthers brought him back last year, but a knee injury kept him from showing much here. When well, he's shown some pop in the middle of the line, and if he could get some push replacing Lewis, it would go a long way toward easing the burden on the defensive ends who figure to be overtaxed anyway.

 The new Carolina Panthers jerseys are set to audition former University of Miami defensive lineman Dave Howell on Monday, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

We've been told that the Panthers are going to conduct a major tryout.

The Panthers could use definitely some defensive linemen to upgrade their depth.

Howell is a fairly obscure, unaccomplished former Hurricanes player who lined up on both sides of the football.

He enrolled at Miami as a highly regarded recruit, ranked as the 29th defensive lineman by SuperPrep.