The Carolina Panthers have named their 2014 captains and the build up was decidedly less dramatic than a year ago. Instead of waiting to see if Cam Newton would become a first-time leader, instead the selections were a group of easy decisions, players who represent the vision of the team moving forward and a further transition of leadership from the prior regime.

Offense

Cam Newton, Greg Olsen and Ryan Kalil lead the offensive unit in 2014. It's the first time Olsen has been added to the group of leaders, taking a position vacated by Jordan Gross who left the team in February due to retirement.

Newton and Kalil are perennial Pro Bowl players, while Olsen routinely falls just shy despite being one of the best tight ends in the NFL. It's an excellent group and if you were to pick three players to lead the team on offense they're the only sensible choices.

Defense

Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Charles Johnson will be the team's defensive representatives this year. Kuechly and Davis were both captains in 2013 and there was no reason to change anything. Davis is one of the few players on the entire roster that represents the Panthers old guard, players who were with the team prior to 2006.

Johnson is the team's most complete defensive end and an excellent representative to lead the squad. He has a tendency to be a little brash, but has the attitude needed to help mold young defensive linemen on the team like Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short and Kony Ealy.

Special Teams

Unlike past seasons there's no representative on the special teams squad serving as a captain. It used to be that John Kasay was a long-term lock, but his absence saw a transition to several different players. Jordan Senn took over the mantle in 2012, but did not regain captaincy last year and is no longer with the team.