Carolina Panthers: Ross Cockrell making the most of opportunities

The Carolina Panthers have found some depth in the secondary.

Cornerback Ross Cockrell is going to start again for the Carolina Panthers. That was probably not something you’d expect me to say a year ago. Following his gruesome leg injury in training camp last year, there were questions as to whether he would play again. As this season has showed, we have a definitive answer.

So far on the year, Cockrell has played well filling in for second-year sensation Donte Jackson who is currently on the mend. He has recorded 10 tackles and an interception in four games played, two of which he’s started.  He seems to have finally gotten into a groove. Understandably, I would expect some rust from him following an injury like the one he suffered. Nevertheless, his role to this team is pivotal, as Carolina definitely has to have a “next man up”  type of mentality.

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When he was signed by the Carolina Panthers last year, I thought he would be able to be a great depth piece. Depth is not something that the Panthers had last year, partly due to Cockrell’s injury. Now, that depth is being tested, and I feel like Cockrell is definitely the type of guy for the job. We will have to see how things play out on Sunday. Playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars is not an easy test.  However, Cockrell is certainly up to the challenge.

After his performance on Sunday, I would be hard-pressed to doubt him. He didn’t look like somebody who was making his first start since 2017. He looked very comfortable, and ready to make an impact. Now, he will have a chance to prove himself once again. At the very least, he is making the most of the opportunity he is given. Hopefully, Jackson is not out for too long. I hate seeing injuries to anyone at any level. However, Jackson’s injury has given us a look at what type of depth the Carolina Panthers have.

From a gruesome injury to making plays on the field, Ross Cockrell’s Carolina Panthers career has come full circle. I am anxious to see what he will do on Sunday against the Jaguars. Who knows? A good performance on Sunday could result in even more playing time going forward. At the end of the day, this is exactly what the Carolina Panthers had envisioned for him. They were acquiring a guy that could come into certain situations and make plays. So far, Cockrell has done exactly that.