Excluding Chris Gamble, the Panthers' six other cornerbacks have nine years of NFL experience between them.
2012 will be Gamble's ninth campaign.
His tenure with the Panthers commands respect, much like his skill level and production.
Like he's done throughout his career, Gamble spent most of last season matched up against the opposition's top wide receiver. He made life difficult for the likes of Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald and Detroit's Calvin Johnson and finished the year as the Panthers' all-time interceptions leader with 27.
With Gamble patrolling one side of the field, the Panthers are anticipating an emergence on the other. Several young cornerback candidates will look to turn the corner and earn prominent roles.
RETURNERS
Chris Gamble
Became the franchise's all-time leader in interceptions last season, posting three. ... Has compiled 27 career interceptions and 94 passes defensed. ... Has led or tied for the team lead in interceptions in six of eight seasons since being drafted in the first round in 2004.
Captain Munnerlyn
Started a career high 14 games for Carolina in 2011. ... Produced a career high 55 tackles to go along with two sacks and seven passes defensed. ... Played in all 16 games in 2010 and missed only one contest in 2009, his rookie season.
Brandon Hogan
Selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. ... Spent the first eight games on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered as a senior at West Virginia. ... Returned for last three contests and recorded four tackles.
Darius Butler
Registered 29 tackles and nine passes defensed in 13 games played last season. ... Spent first two years with the Patriots, who drafted him in the second round of the 2009 draft. Recorded three interceptions in his rookie season.
R.J. Stanford
Played in 12 games for Carolina in 2011 and notched 20 tackles and his first career interception. ... Spent the first 13 games of the 2010 season (his rookie campaign) on the practice squad before being signed to the active roster. ... Played in 51-of-52 games at Utah.
Josh Thomas
Played in the last nine games of the 2011 season for Carolina as a rookie. ... Drafted in the fifth round by the Cowboys in 2011. ... Played in 47 games with 34 starts at University at Buffalo.
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ROOKIES
Josh Norman
Selected in fifth round of the 2012 draft. ... Played in 46 games at Coastal Carolina where he was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big South honoree. ... Finished career first in conference and school history with 48 passes defensed and second with 13 interceptions. ... Tied school record with four blocked kicks.
Panthers.com is taking a position-by-position look at the 90-man roster leading up training camp, having previously profiled quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, offensive linemen, tight ends, special teams and linebackers.
