4 Panthers who could emerge as major contributors in 2020
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Marquis Haynes (EDGE)
There is a window of opportunity awaiting Marquis Haynes next season. But much will depend on just where the Carolina Panthers plan to use the versatile player.
Haynes has the ability to line up either as a defensive end or standing up as an outside linebacker. It doesn’t appear likely that he will beat out lineman for starting minutes. But there could be more of a chance to see the field opposite Shaq Thompson in 2020.
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The third-year-pro is coming off an encouraging sophomore season that earned him a 58.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. Haynes saw just 19 percent of the Panthers’ defensive snaps last time out. But he still managed to secure two sacks, 16 combined tackles, nine solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits.
This is an encouraging sign for the former fourth-round pick as he looks to take his game to new heights. And Haynes has all the size and explosiveness that Carolina’s new regime sought heavily during free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft.
If Haynes wins a starting job at outside linebacker. Then it could result in the Mississippi product having a potential breakout season.
He has all the tools needed to make a real go of things in a starting role. And he is now experienced enough to make the necessary adjustments on his way to becoming a three-down presence.