4 Panthers players who’ve exceeded expectations at midseason point

Jeremy Chinn – Carolina Panthers OLB

The Carolina Panthers took a big gamble in the 2020 NFL Draft by giving up one of their eight picks and move back into the second round for Jeremy Chinn. The former Southern Illinois standout had plenty of likable athletic traits that were sure to be of use, but this level of impact is something that nobody thought possible.

Considering Chinn is playing outside linebacker for the first time in a professional and, let’s face it, an unforgiving environment is absolutely remarkable. The rookie has shown no fear and is already showing the sort of knowledge and enthusiasm that has propelled him to a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate in no time at all.

The Panthers have struggled significantly within the linebacker corps, but that should not detract from what a valuable contribution Chinn has made through the first half of the season. Most of the blame can be placed on Tahir Whitehead and Shaq Thompson, who are both being outshone by the first-year-pro substantially.

Chinn has 67 combined tackles, 38 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, one interception, and five passes defended. He also has three pressures to his name after being utilized more in blitz packages by Phil Snow in their loss to the Falcons on Thursday Night Football.

Simply put, there is nothing Chin cannot do on the field defensively, and their decision to take him at No. 64 overall was a shrewd one.