Where will the Carolina Panthers use Jeremy Chinn in 2021?
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers coaching staff on Jeremy Chinn
There is no bigger fan of Jeremy Chinn than Matt Rhule. The head coach lauded the player from the moment he was drafted and this faith was repaid with production that was extremely unfortunate not to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
That just serves as extra motivation for Chinn as he looks to enter the Pro Bowl discussion next time around. Rhule clearly wants to keep taking advantage of his versatility – which is not in question – but he’ll be more aware than anyone just how much he might be needed on the backend.
"“We’ve always said to ourselves, we can use Chinn as a safety and as a ‘backer. I would anticipate us doing what we did last year, moving him around. I think when you’ve got a chess piece like that, you’ve got to utilize his versatility.”"
Chinn has another big fan in defensive backs coach Jason Simmons, who might be working with him a little more closely in 2021 if the Panthers choose to slot him opposite Juston Burris.
Simmons was more pleased than most that Carolina ended up securing Chinn’s services during the draft and feels like someone his size with such rare mobility is a substantial asset to call upon for the organization.
"“I thought he was the best pure safety in the draft. I thought he had the best ball skills in his class. I remember seeing him high-point a ball for an interception against South Dakota and getting his feet down, and you could just tell the way he moved he was different. Really, he’s a 6-3 guy who moves like a 5-10 guy.”"
Everyone knows how highly thought of Chinn is with players, coaching staff, and fans alike.
Having a defender that can basically do it all is an incredible luxury to have and it’s vital for the Panthers to maximize this next season and beyond.