1 Shaq Thompson

While Devin Funchess has grabbed the majority of the headlines this camp, Shaq Thompson has quietly put together an even greater performance compared to his rookie year. No longer a rookie, Thompson appears to have a solid understanding of his role on the defense. This means he will be thinking less, and reacting more. Great news for Carolina Panthers fans, terrible news for opposing offenses.

From chasing down end arounds to shooting the gap and stopping the runner, from breaking up a pass to a tight end to intercepting a deep ball, Shaq Thompson has been absolutely everywhere on the field. In 2016, he should truly be that X-Factor that the Carolina Panthers had in mind when they drafted him.

Defensive game planning against a typical outside linebacker, no problem. But trying to account for a guy that can slide in at nickel, cover large receivers down the field, and at times play more like a strong safety will prove problematic for the Panthers opponents this season. Not only will Shaq get his highlight reel, he will also free up Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly to make even more plays. Imagine that. For these reasons, he is my number 1 candidate for a breakout year.