4 strongest positional groups on the Carolina Panthers in 2021

Carolina Panthers CBs

Much like the situation at defensive tackle, the Carolina Panthers had plenty on their plate to improve their cornerback unit this offseason. The secondary became an area of increasing frustration in critical moments during the campaign, with their distinct failure in press or man coverage proving to be their undoing on multiple occasions.

Donte Jackson came on leaps and bounds after the Week 13 bye. But unless the Panthers got some upgrades alongside the LSU product, nothing much was going to change.

Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder were let go in free agency, which left them with very little depth. However, this all changed when Carolina opted to go with Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Horn has all the making of a shutdown corner at the next level. He is fast, physical, and instinctive, with the rookie’s proven production in press coverage something that is sure to benefit Phil Snow’s scheme considerably.

Couple this with the free-agent signing of former Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye, and the Panthers now have a formidable trio that can be counted upon to make a difference when it really matters.

Keith Taylor Jr. was taken in the fifth round and also loves nothing more than getting physical at the line of scrimmage. Troy Pride Jr., Rashaan Melvin, and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III may also be in line for further progress, so Carolina’s pass defense should make some big strides next season if everything clicks into place right away.