Carolina Panthers: Natrell Jamerson can push onto DB rotation

Could versatile defensive back Natrell Jamerson get over his injury struggles and make his way onto the Carolina Panthers’ rotation?

The Carolina Panthers will put an unprecedented offseason behind them in 30 days’ time. The new-look roster and brand-new coaching staff will finally take the field in a competitive setting. And it promises to be a rollercoaster ride for the team’s fanbase.

It is going to be extremely interesting to see how the Carolina Panthers fare in 2020. Any positives they can take from their daunting looking schedule will be a bonus. But there is also a chance this group can become one of the NFL’s surprise packages if everything clicks into place right away.

There is real hope that Carolina’s offense can propel themselves to superstardom under Joe Brady. But their defense remains something of a concern in the face of some elite passing attacks next season.

Continuing our countdown feature ahead of the new season, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 30. Natrell Jamerson has been unfortunate with injuries during his fledgling career so far. And the defensive back faces a stern test of his credentials if he wants to make his presence felt with the Panthers in 2020.

Jamerson was taken in the fifth round by the New Orleans Saints in 2018 following a standout career at Wisconsin. But his time with Sean Payton’s men was cut short before landing on the Panthers last season.

This saw the player occupy a bit-part role in Carolina. But he proved to be a valuable asset on special teams until his campaign ended with a trip to the injured reserve list.

He has been given another chance to prove his worth to the organization. And this is an area of the field that could have an opening at the No. 4 spot on the cornerback depth chart behind Donte Jackson, Eli Apple, and fourth-rounder Troy Pride Jr.

Versatility could be key for Natrell Jamerson with the Carolina Panthers.

Jamerson made a solid transition to a defensive back after initially starting his college career as a wide receiver. And he even slotted in at safety during his senior year.

He possesses a lightning quickness that is evident throughout the Panthers’ roster in 2020. But whether he can harness this in a positive way from a coverage perspective is another matter entirely.

There is also the matter of Jamerson’s health to consider. His time in the NFL has been littered with frustrations so far. And once a player gets a reputation for being unreliable thanks to niggling knocks, then it is hard to change someone’s mind on the topic.

Having no preseason games before Carolina’s Week 1 opener against the Las Vegas Raiders is another stumbling block that Jamerson needs to overcome. He will need to show his impressive skill set to full effect in a relatively short space of time. And even that might not be enough to secure a roster spot.

This is a clean slate for every member of the Panthers during camp. There will be some surprises on the roster as a result. But whether Jamerson can become one of these is up for debate.