3 former Matt Rhule college players the Carolina Panthers can target
Haason Reddick – OLB
- 2020 team – Arizona Cardinals
Besides the quarterback, the linebacker position may be one of the Carolina Panthers’ biggest needs moving forward. Unlike the last two picks, this possible target is set to be a free agent during the 2021 offseason.
The Panthers signed Tahir Whitehead to be one of their starting linebackers last season, but he did not meet expectations. Not to mention, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and won’t be brought back after a dismal series of performances.
However, the Panthers could improve their linebacker group if they add Haason Reddick.
Reddick played for Matt Rhule at Temple for the final years that he was there. The duo has a strong connection and if Carolina targets him, it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve shown interest.
The Panthers were rumored to be after Reddick last year following their historic all-defensive 2020 NFL Draft. He would be a huge addition to Carolina’s defense and entering his fifth season in the league, has already started in 31 games.
Reddick had the best season of his career this past season with the Cardinals. He finished with a career-high in sacks with 12.5 and the same milestone in tackles for loss with 15, accumulating six forced fumbles to further enhance his influence.
Besides his great run-defense awareness, the Panthers are in need of more power for their pass rush. Reddick’s athletism gives him the ability to compete with wide receivers when he drops back in coverage, which would be another major boost.
The Panthers could solve a lot of their defensive problems if they sign Reddick, who was once described as “everything that’s right with college football” by Rhule before he was drafted.
Reddick’s ability to be a run stopper makes him the perfect candidate to play next to Shaq Thompson. Carolina could get a steal here if they sign the outside linebacker to a team-friendly deal.