Panthers 2021 season opener countdown: 67 days to go

We’re counting down the days until the Panthers kick off the 2021 season.

We’re 67 days away from the Carolina Panthers 2021 season opener, so that means today’s countdown piece is devoted to No. 67 on the roster — guard John Miller.

Former Buffalo Bill and Cincinnati Bengal John Miller could be entering training camp in a battle for the starting right guard role.

Miller didn’t have an amazing season last year during his first in Carolina. Meanwhile, rookie former Alabama guard Deonte Brown never allowed a sack in college, and several NFL Network talking heads are projecting him as a future starter.

The Panthers brought Miller back on a one-year deal over the offseason, but it may very well be “put up or shut up” time for the veteran. The 27-year-old Miller was selected in the third round of the 2015 draft by the Bills, out of Louisville.

His big pay day came in March 2019, when the Bengals gave him a three-year, $16.5 million contract. Just one year later Cincinnati cut ties with Miller.

Rhule and the Panthers gave Miller $4 million on a one-year deal for 2020, where Miller started 14 games at right guard.

But the rookie Brown certainly has the analysts talking.

While Brown wasn’t selected until the sixth round — No. 193 overall — NFL Network’s Charles Davis recently called him the best pick in that entire round. One can probably take that to say that Brown could have been a fifth round draft choice.

“I think Deonte Brown competes to start at guard,” said Davis. “Gives Christian McCaffrey another body guard in the run game and helps Sam Darnold in the passing game. I think he’s a great value in the sixth round ”

Back in May, NFL Network’s “Draft Today” show had some glowing words for the guard.

“I love Deonte Brown. I think Matt Rhule might have found a starting guard in Deonte Brown,” said one of the scouts.

Interestingly, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Brown going in the fourth round, with an NFL comparison with Seattle Seahawks guard Gabe Jackson. Zierlein also sees starting potential for Brown.

“Brown has the potential to become a starter for a power-based rushing team that doesn’t adhere to strict traits standards,” writes Zierlein.

Without a doubt, Rhule and his staff have some big decisions coming up on multiple positions across the offensive line. It should be exciting to see how it shapes up.