4 bold predictions for remainder of Panthers’ offseason

The Carolina Panthers will start Jeremy Chinn at slot cornerback

Much is expected from Southern Illinois product Jeremy Chinn after the Carolina Panthers moved back into the second round to take him No. 64 overall in the NFL Draft. He is a prospect with impressive physical attributes who also possesses the sort of versatility Matt Rhule loves.

It is going to be particularly interesting to see where the coaching staff line up Chinn from the word go. They have the option of putting him at the back end alongside Tre Boston. However, there is another intriguing proposition of using the player in the slot cornerback position.

The incoming college recruit might have some trouble covering on the outside. But there is no doubting his credentials coping across the middle. Chinn is also equally adept at going with receivers or tight ends over intermediate routes. So it is definitely an avenue worth exploring during the early stages of his development.

Carolina has Boston and Juston Burris to fill the safety void and take some of the heat off Chinn in this regard. There is also a chance that fifth-round pick Kenny Robinson can make his presence felt after a standout spell in the XFL.

Chinn would no doubt relish the opportunity of coming up against some of the NFL’s best slot receivers. It would also give the Panthers a good stopgap before they are in a financial position to possibly bring in a high-profile free agent at the position next summer.