4 under-the-radar Panthers who need to perform against the Raiders
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – LB
The upcoming season promises to be one of opportunity for Jermaine Carter. The outside linebacker is poised to share time with rookie Jeremy Chinn opposite Shaq Thompson at the second level and this is a chance for the player to cement himself as a confirmed starter in the NFL.
Carter has boundless energy that is matched by vocal leadership despite going relatively under-the-radar this offseason. The former fifth-round pick will be aiming to make an impact against a Raiders’ team who likes to run the ball prominently, which is an area of the game where the Maryland product excels.
The player possesses solid instincts that allow him to identify specific plays quickly. Carter also has a high motor that sometimes overcompensates for his deficiencies. But in obvious passing situations, it will be Chinn that coming in to cover a slot receiver or even prolific tight end Darren Waller.
The Carolina Panthers are counting on Carter to deliver on his enormous promise. He was on the field for 20.5 percent of the team’s defensive snaps last time out and a significant rise in playing time and production is expected in 2020.
What comes next will be ultimately down to Carter. He is entering the penultimate year of his rookie deal and will make a base salary of $750,000 next season. If he reaches or even exceeds expectations as a starter, then a longer-term commitment from the Panthers might not be entirely out of the question.