3 reasons the Panthers and Malik Hooker could be a perfect match
By Dean Jones
The Jeremy Chinn partnership
Pairing up with Jeremy Chinn might be an enticing proposition for Malik Hooker if the Carolina Panthers show an interest in the coming weeks. The former Southern Illinois standout is one of the league’s brightest young defenders following an outstanding rookie campaign that saw him unfortunate not to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
Chinn will be used as a hybrid safety with the freedom to roam all over the field. The Panthers need the second-round pick to remain instinctive despite changing positions, which should maximize his ability to maintain the exceptional production generated during his first season in a professional environment.
A link-up between Chinn and Hooker is a mouth-watering proposition.
At least from the outside looking in, they seem to complement each other extremely well and if this scenario comes to pass, it could eventually see the pair become one of the league’s more dynamic pairings at the safety spot.
The possibilities would be endless with Chinn and Hooker on the backend.
The Panthers also possess an insurance policy in Juston Burris if the player has to miss time once again, so it might be a win-win for all parties involved.
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Big things are expected of Carolina’s defense in the second year under Phil Snow in 2021. They are taking a look at Ha-Ha Clinton Dix during minicamp this week. But one could argue Hooker comes with far more in the way of upside.