Carolina Panthers camp: Predicting winners from 5 key position battles
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Battle No. 2: OLB 2
There is an opening on the depth chart for someone to start at outside linebacker opposite Shaq Thompson. The Carolina Panthers parted ways with plenty of veteran players during the offseason. And this represents a chance for someone else to come in and fill the void.
This is something that Jermaine Carter is more than capable of doing. The player has shown glimpses of promise during his fledgling career to date. And he is chomping at the bit to prove his worth in a starting environment.
Another way the Panthers could go is with Marquis Haynes. The player has certainly looked the part during the early period of training camp so far. And his physique looks much improved from last time out.
Putting it together consistently has been a problem for Haynes in Carolina. But there is nothing to suggest this could improve with more time to adjust to in-game situations.
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Second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos is another candidate to come in on pass-rushing situations thanks to his supreme athletic gifts. And the Panthers even have the option of putting Jeremy Chinn at outside linebacker to make the most out of his outstanding skill set.
Another name that warrants consideration is Jordan Kunaszyk, who is versatile enough to play anywhere on the second level. Each candidate will have benefitted from Christian Miller’s decision to opt-out over health concerns. And how they perform during team drills is going to be telling.