6 Panthers players who need to hit the ground running at 2021 camp
By Dean Jones
Christian Miller – Carolina Panthers OLB
Christian Miller is like a new signing for the Carolina Panthers. Just how influential he can become is another matter entirely.
We simply don’t know for sure just what Miller brings to the table because there isn’t a lot to go off. There were some encouraging flashes as a rookie in 2019, but the Alabama product opted out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19 health concerns and has been away from the game for a long time.
Miller must force his way into the team’s plans for the second time in three years.
Not the easiest of propositions – especially working with a coaching staff that wasn’t around when he was drafted. So getting off to an imposing start at training camp is of paramount importance.
There is an opening for Miller providing he makes a good impression. Carolina isn’t blessed with the greatest depth within its linebacker room and it would be a huge shock if the former fourth-round pick wasn’t on the 53-man roster in Week 1.
It won’t take long to figure out just how much Miller has been working over the last year.
He certainly looked in fantastic shape at voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp. But gaining additional conditioning in the preseason could make all the difference where Miller is concerned.