5 best gifts that Marty Hurney leaves the Carolina Panthers
By Dean Jones
Jeremy Chinn – Carolina Panthers OLB
Moving back into the second round to select Jeremy Chinn at No. 64 overall was one of Marty Hurney’s best-ever NFL Draft moves. Little was known about the Southern Illinois standout other than his football pedigree and exceptional athleticism. But for all the former general manager’s faults, he is a prolific talent spotter and has hit plenty of home runs within the early stages of the draft.
Chinn is no exception. He has made the smoothest of transitions to the next level despite trying his hand at outside linebacker for the first time in his career and is a star in the making.
His relentless and physical style of play made him an instant favorite with Carolina’s fanbase. Chinn is always around the ball and was the shining light at the second level at a time when the organization was still reeling from the shock retirement of legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly after eight incredible seasons leading the defense.
The do-it-all weapon is a leading candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and few will ever forget Chinn’s historic performance at the Minnesota Vikings where he scored two touchdowns on consecutive plays, which was a league first.
Chinn has amassed 101 tackles, four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, five passes defended, one interception, and five pressures so far this season. He has a rare ability to make others around him better and although things like missed tackles and coverage skills need brushing up slightly, the Panthers have a real player on their hands.