Dynamic players aplenty in Panthers 53-man roster prediction post-draft
By David Giroux
Carolina Panthers CBs
- Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, A.J. Bouye, Keith Taylor, Troy Pride Jr.
The secondary was the weakest part of the 2020 Carolina Panthers team. As Matt Rhule pointed out, they could not get off the field on third down and paid the price.
However, the Carolina Panthers brought in two new potential starters in free agency and the draft that should bring instant assistance. Donte Jackson, in a contract year will look to finally break out as an elite corner this year. Next to him will be Jaycee Horn, a press cover dynamo who has an aggressive and chippy style of play that is sure to match up perfectly with the big receivers in the NFC South.
Veteran A.J. Bouye was signed before the draft and after serving a two-game suspension will look to provide depth on the outside that the Panthers lacked in a big way last season. After being forced into a starting role last season, Troy Pride Jr. will provide depth alongside of this year’s fifth-round pick Keith Taylor.
Veteran Rashaan Melvin and second-year player Stantley Thomas-Oliver will also look to for a roster spot in camp.
Carolina Panthers S
- Jeremy Chinn, Juston Burris, Sam Franklin Jr, Myles Hartsfield.
As stated previosly, safety is probably the biggest need left on this Panthers roster. Potential superstar Jeremy Chinn will move back to his natural position in 2021 and right now is slated to start alongside of Juston Burris.
Burris played some decent football last season when he was healthy. But look for Fitterer to find some competition at that starting safety spot.
Sam Franklin was a very productive undrafted free-agent in 2020 that will provide cover on the rotation alongside fellow UDFA Myles Hartsfield. The former Ole Miss star played a lot of nickel down the stretch last season and provides Phil Snow a lot of versatility in the secondary.