3 things Phil Snow must get from Carolina Panthers training camp

Finding the right balance at CB

One area that will undoubtedly be giving Phil Snow some real headaches is the cornerback position. The Carolina Panthers do have a cemented No. 1 option in Donte Jackson. But it remains to be seen who the defensive coordinator trusts to fill the other starting spots.

Eli Apple is probably going to be the Panthers’ No. 2 option opposite Jackson. The free-agent signing has failed to live up to his billing as the No. 10 overall pick so far. But this does appear to be a good scheme fit for the corner and he remains confident in his own ability to deliver the goods.

The remaining spots on the depth chart are completely up for grabs. Troy Pride Jr. has elite speed that will be a tremendous asset to call upon. Corn Elder and T.J. Green are others who have been catching the eye considerably during training camp.

There is still some doubt as to whether Jackson can handle the responsibility of covering the opposition’s best receiving threat. It would be nothing short of a disaster for the Panthers if he fails to reach his ceiling. And it appears unlikely that Snow will be able to rely on Myles Hartsfield, Natrell Jamerson, or Cole Luke from a starting perspective.

Getting the right balance in this area of the field is going to be critical. But it is hard not to look at this unit as a problem before competitive action gets underway.