Panthers depth chart: Pre-camp 53-man roster projection for 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers depth chart: Cornerbacks
- Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, A.J. Bouye, Keith Taylor Jr., Troy Pride Jr., Rashaan Melvin.
The Carolina Panthers made some substantial changes to their cornerback room this offseason. This should make this unit a force to be reckoned with if everything clicks into place right away, which could be all this defense needs to reach greater heights in 2021.
Jaycee Horn was taken at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and comes to the Panthers with shutdown potential. He is a physical specimen who plays the game with a controlled aggression that is hard not to love, even though there might be some growing pains along the way
Another interesting arrival is former Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye, who is suspended for the first two games of the campaign but is looking to play a big role once he’s permitted to make a return to the gridiron.
Nobody will benefit more from these signings than Donte Jackson, who looked like a true No. 1 option down the stretch in 2020. An injury-free year of solid production from the LSU product would put him in a profitable position when he heads to the bargaining table next spring.
Keith Taylor Jr.’s ability in press coverage might make a surprising impression with a quick transition to the next level. Rashaan Melvin has impressed during the early offseason period so far and might push his way onto the Panthers’ depth chart with a strong camp.
The final spot could be between Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, with a slight preference for the ex-Notre Dame speedster at this juncture.