Panthers depth chart: Pre-camp 53-man roster projection for 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers depth chart: Defensive Tackles
- Derrick Brown, DaQuan Jones, Daviyon Nixon, Bravvion Roy, Morgan Fox (3-T).
The defensive tackle position is another area that should be much improved in 2021. Run defense once again caused some problems throughout the 2020 campaign and this needs to get better – and quickly – if the Carolina Panthers want to become a surprise contender for a playoff spot.
Derrick Brown made a telling contribution during his rookie year. The former Auburn standout looked like a star in the making despite plenty of double teams coming his way, so a Pro Bowl-caliber season might be in the offing with additional improvements this offseason.
The Panthers depth chart also has some new talent to put alongside Brown, which will help an untold amount. Free-agent signing DaQuan Jones is a stout presence against the run that clogs up space impressively, with the decision to select Daviyon Nixon in the fifth round also coming with starting potential in the not-too-distant future.
Nixon will need to alleviate some character concerns that saw the Iowa product plunge down the draft. But this is a solid situation for the lineman to come into with so many young players all striving towards the same goal.
Morgan Fox should provide the Panthers with a strong three-technique that can replace and even exceed Efe Obada’s level of performance judging by what we saw from the player operating alongside Aaron Donald in 2020.
Although Bravvion Roy might not see the reps he attained as a rookie, putting him on the roster is the smart way to go.