5 sophomore stars set to shine for the Carolina Panthers in 2021

Jeremy Chinn – Carolina Panthers S/OLB

The Carolina Panthers made a daring decision to move back into the second round and select an athletic but relatively unproven defender out of Southern Illinois by the name of Jeremy Chinn at No. 64 overall in 2020. The prospect had all the physical attributes needed to make a real go of things at the next level, even though nobody was expecting the earth right away.

To say Chinn made a big impression during his rookie season would be the largest of understatements. The player earned a starting role at outside linebacker after impressing at training camp and this was matched by some exceptional performances on the field that saw him emerge as an integral part of Carolina’s plans moving forward.

Chinn was extremely unfortunate not to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, which went to the higher-profile figure of defensive end Chase Young. However, this does not detract from just how special a player he could become.

Just what the Panthers are going to do with Chinn next season is unclear. There is an obvious need to move him back into his preferred position of safety that would be a tremendous boost for the secondary, even though his presence at the second level will be missed despite the addition of Denzel Perryman from the Los Angeles Chargers.

No matter where Chinn lines up on the field, he’ll be a difference-maker. He is just that good.