5 studs and duds from the Panthers’ loss vs. Saints in Week 17
By Dean Jones
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
The Carolina Panthers might not need to take an inside linebacker that high in the 2021 NFL Draft after all. Jermaine Carter has made the most out of the opportunity as a starter after the organization finally removed Tahir Whitehead from No. 1 on the depth chart and he has given the coaching staff plenty to think about this offseason thanks to a series of outstanding displays.
It wasn’t the sort of level we’ve seen from Phil Snow’s unit of late. But that should not detract from yet another eye-catching performance from Carter’s perspective.
The former fifth-round pick was a constant threat around the ball thanks to his strong positioning. And Carter might have even had an interception to show for his efforts had he not fluffed his lines at a crucial moment.
There has been plenty to like about the way Carter’s applied himself during the second half of the season. He ended Sunday’s game against the Saints with eight tackles and one pass defended, which is another feather in his cap as he looks to become the long-term replacement for perennial All-Pro Luke Kuechly.
Carolina will still bring in additional reinforcements in this area. But Carter’s recent production puts him firmly in the driving seat.