5 Panthers who should feel disrespected by 2021 Madden rating

Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Stephen Weatherly (DE) – 69 Madden Rating

Another who will no doubt look at his Madden rating with bemusement is Stephen Weatherly. The defensive end scored just 69 from the video game assessors. And this was five lower than the Panthers’ second-round selection Yetur Gross-Matos.

Considering that the former Penn State edge rusher hasn’t taken the field yet and is expected to sit behind Weatherly on Carolina’s depth chart initially is something that can spur him on to big things. He is looking to finally make a starting spot his own after performing well in a rotational role with the Minnesota Vikings in recent years. And there is a lot to like about the potential impact the lineman can make in a three-down role.

The former seventh-round pick is a superb asset in run support. And he has enough power and speed to get into the backfield consistently. Weatherly has recorded six sacks, 45 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits during his career. So there could be even more to come in an increased role.

Having Gross-Matos putting the pressure on is an additional spark that can inspire Weatherly. He has worked hard to earn this opportunity after coming into the league as a relatively unfancied prospect. But the defensive lineman must hit the ground running with so much depth at the position in Carolina.