5 young Panthers players to keep a close eye on at training camp
By Dean Jones
Jeremy Chinn – Carolina Panthers S
Watching Jeremy Chinn take the NFL by storm during his rookie year was an incredible sight. The Carolina Panthers traded back into the second round in 2020 to take the athletic prospect out of Southern Illinois, who looks like a real star in the making judging by his first year in a professional environment.
Chinn had plenty on his plate in Year 1, taking on an unfamiliar position at outside linebacker and thriving under the spotlight. He was extremely unfortunate not to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and if he can progress even more this offseason, the sky is the limit.
The Panthers are moving Chinn back to his preferred position of safety, although it’s highly likely he’ll have the freedom to roam all over the field and make instinctive plays.
Watching how he transitions to the backend is a potentially crucial component of Carolina’s chances next season and beyond. The secondary has the chance to be a force to be reckoned with in 2021, with Chinn sure to be at the heart of everything good providing his adjustment is a smooth one.
This is yet more responsibility for Chinn. Something he is going to relish judging by the player’s character.
He is someone who doesn’t want to settle for being a serviceable NFL player. Chinn wants to go down as one of Carolina’s greatest-ever.
It’s a good start. But the best could still be to come.