Carolina Panthers: 2019 Senior Bowl players to watch
Juan Thornhill, S – Virginia
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Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 23
Projected 40-yard Dash: 4.55
Projected Round: 2-3
An aging Mike Adams and the uncertainty of if Carolina can re-sign Eric Reid leaves a glaring hole in the back end of the defense. In addition, the Panthers struggled mightily against opposing tight ends this season and need a safety who can help in this area.
Juan Thornhill has been projected as able to do just that. A good size safety with speed and instinct, his current projections are reminiscent of cornerback Donte Jackson who was selected in the second-round last season and immediately earned a starting role.
A similar path for Thornhill would give Carolina something to build on and hopefully end the stigma of a weak secondary moving forward.
"In 2018, Thornhill recorded 98 tackles with six interceptions and seven passes broken up. He goes under the radar, but some team sources feel that he is the second best safety in the 2019 NFL Draft and worthy of going early in the second round. Evaluators like his instincts and his ability to make plays on the ball. They feel he can cover tight ends, has better than expected range, and could fit as a free safety in the NFL. The 6-foot-1, 212-pound Thornhill also has quality size. Teams don’t think he will make it to the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft."
Analysis provided by Walter Football.com
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The Reese’s Senior Bowl kicks off on Saturday (1/26) at 2:30pm ET on the NFL Network.