Phil Snow is not afraid to lean on Panthers rookie Jeremy Chinn

Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow will continue to lean on star rookie Jeremy Chinn at the Atlanta Falcons and beyond.

It is clear that the Carolina Panthers have a player of enormous potential in Jeremy Chinn. The rookie has made his presence felt in no uncertain terms since the start of the 2020 season and this has only heightened expectations as to what he can bring to the organization going forward.

There is a lot to like about the sort of skillset that Chinn brings to the table. He is versatile, explosive, and has the sort of game-changing potential that the Panthers were hoping for when they traded back into the second round to acquire the former Southern Illinois standout in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Chinn already looks to be a highly important member of Phil Snow’s defensive scheme. He earned a starting spot at outside linebacker opposite Shaq Thompson following a stellar display at training camp and has hit the ground running in a big way during his initial transition to the next level.

Jeremy Chinn’s impressive start to life with the Carolina Panthers.

This is an opportunity that Chinn is eager to not let slip away. He currently leads all rookies with 34 combined tackles through four weeks and this represents some outstanding production from a player who initially came into the Panthers as a defensive back.

Snow was highly complimentary of Chinn’s adaptability and willingness to learn during his recent media availability, with the way that the first-year-pro is already approaching things like a seasoned veteran coming in some significant praise.

"“He acts and does things a lot older than his age. You would think he’s a veteran. I think that’s a tribute to how he’s been raised and brought up — at home and in football. I think the college coaches did a great job with him.”"

It’s hard not to love the way Chinn approaches his football. The player clearly has a deep love for the game and his athleticism has made him an almost constant presence around the ball.

Chinn has typified what Carolina has been all about this season. They might be young, but each member of the roster possesses an enthusiasm and a fearless mentality that will make them one of the NFL’s surprise packages if things continue to trend in this manner.

Considering where the Panthers are in their current rebuilding process, this represents a real achievement. What comes next for Chinn and the organization will be equally as important with so much football still to be played. But the early signs are tremendously encouraging.

The Panthers went bold to make history with an all-defense draft last spring. This is already proving to be a shrewd move by the front office. In Chinn, they have a dependable and exciting presence who has the scope to be their defensive inspiration for the next decade if he stays clear of injury.

Snow hasn’t been afraid to lean on Chinn despite his lack of experience in a professional environment. This confidence has been the springboard to an electrifying opening to his career at the next level and Panthers’ fans will be hoping this can be the catalyst for great things in the future.