Cat Crave
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Bryan Cox Jr. may be hidden gem on defensive line

By Danny Jaillet

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: A Carolina Panthers helmet sits on the grass as the team warms up before the start of their game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2012 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: A Carolina Panthers helmet sits on the grass as the team warms up before the start of their game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2012 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers may have a weapon at their disposal…

We know that when it comes to Carolina Panthers football, names such as Cam Newton, Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly are going to dominate the headlines. That is perfectly fine, they are deserving of it and have been model players for the franchise for years. However, sometimes it is the “dirt dogs” and the grinders who have made positive contributions to the team and we just don’t realize it.

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Such is the case for Bryan Cox Jr. He is not a name you are going to hear too often but this preseason in particular, he has been working hard to make a name for himself. Friday against the Patriots, he had two tackles including one for a loss. Saturday, Bill Voth said that he thinks Marquis Haynes and Cox are good bets to make the roster. Although Voth thinks Cox is a roster lock especially based on his Friday performance, Cox thought his play was not up to his standards.

"“By my standards, no, I don’t think it was one of those performances,” Cox said. “I just feel like I’ve got so much more to offer. Just knowing what I can do, I feel like I can do more.”"

It appears if modesty is also a trait of Cox’s. Between what he has done in camp and what he has done over the course of the preseason games, the veterans have begun to take notice. Kawaan Short told Voth that he has seen the second-year player grow throughout the course of camp.

"“I think he’s matured,” he said of Cox, who saw limited time in seven games as an undrafted rookie last season. “Just sitting in meetings and watching him answers the questions as soon as the coach asks. He’s not hesitant about his answer and you see that out there in the practice field and the games. I think he’s stepped up from last year tremendously.”"

Because of this, I think he has a shot at making an even bigger impact this season. Last year in seven games, he recorded six tackles and a 15-yard fumble recovery. At the very least, it appears he will give the Carolina Panthers productive depth as opposed to just a body. Many times, you will see a team try to plug and play a player who is not as talented on the field and they will fail. Cox has the talent and aggressiveness to be able to play at a high level when need be. Per the most recent depth chart from OurLads.com, he is penciled in as the third left-side defensive end behind Wes Horton and the great Julius Peppers.

Judging from Short’s comments, it appears the Carolina Panthers have a player in Cox who likes to learn and is a quick decision-maker. That alone will endear him to the coaches, and it sounds like to this point it has.  If he keeps continuing to play like this, he may very well have a breakout sophomore season.

Next. Four Panthers in danger of not making final roster. dark

Especially with players like Peppers nearing the end of their careers, it is great to see guys like Cox stepping up and building the bridge toward the future. By all indications, the future is bright.

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