Carolina Panthers: DB power rankings as training camp begins

We ranked the Carolina Panthers defensive backs ahead of a pivotal few weeks of training camp before they take the field in a competitive setting.

The Carolina Panthers are finally back on the field for the start of training camp. This is the first chance that new head coach Matt Rhule will see what he will be working with. And it is a campaign that could legitimately go either way for the organization.

This is the most intriguing season in recent memory for the Carolina Panthers. The front office has been especially bold with their decision-making in a bid to change their fortunes on the field. But a disrupted offseason that also includes no preseason games on the schedule has the potential to do more harm than good.

Carolina’s offense has the scope to be special if the offensive line provides adequate protection. But there are some serious questions that need to be answered on the defensive side of the ball.

Their front seven could become an area of real strength for the Panthers if prominent players live up to their billing. Things are less certain across their defensive backs. And they will be getting a baptism of fire against some elite passing attacks in 2020.

How this unit pulls together in the coming weeks before their week one opener against the Las Vegas Raiders will ultimately shape their campaign. We ranked every cornerback and safety remaining on the roster and provided an outlook on what to expect from each individual next season.

Carolina Panthers Player No. 15: Myles Hartsfield (CB)

Myles Hartsfield has his work cut out making the Panthers roster in 2020. The undrafted free-agent cornerback failed to hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft despite being a four-year starter at Ole Miss. And with no preseason games on the schedule, the magnitude of the challenge awaiting the player is steep.

Carolina Panthers Player No. 14: Derrek Thomas (CB)

Derrek Thomas will be hoping that familiarity with the coaching staff can be enough for him to secure a roster spot following camp. The cornerback worked with Matt Rhule at Baylor before going undrafted this spring. And it remains to be seen whether he can do enough in the coming weeks to get a shot at the big time.

Carolina Panthers Player No. 13: Natrell Jamerson (CB)

Natrell Jamerson will be looking to build on a first-year with the Panthers that saw him turn out in five games. There could be more to come from the cornerback with more experience. But others appear better placed going into training camp.