4 Carolina Panthers players set for big things in 2021
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
Although the 2020 season was a frustrating one for Donte Jackson, there was plenty to like about the way he finished over the final few games. The cornerback dealt with a troublesome toe injury during the early portion of the campaign that eventually saw the former second-round pick forced to take a significant period of rest before and after the bye that lasted a month in total.
Jackson came back a completely different player and looked every bit the No. 1 corner the Carolina Panthers hoped he would be when they decided to let James Bradberry walk in favor of a big-money move to the New York Giants in free agency.
The player’s stats for the 2020 season – especially considering the injury problems complicating matters – were hugely encouraging.
- 3 interceptions
- 11 passes defended
- 56.9% completion allowed
- 34 tackles
- 443 receiving yards conceded
- 11 missed tackles (24.4%)
- 70.4 PFF grade
All this from just 57 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps.
This upcoming season is a big one for Jackson, who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. There is a chance the Panthers extend him before things get too complicated next spring. But if he can stay healthy and build on this positive momentum, it is sure to come with a big payday when the LSU product heads to the bargaining table.
Carolina has plenty of uncertainty surrounding other cornerbacks on the depth chart. But in Jackson, they could potentially possess a shutdown presence on the outside who solves a significant problem in the process.