5 players winning their position battles at Panthers training camp
By Dean Jones
DaQuan Jones – Carolina Panthers DT
Although DaQuan Jones signed late in the free agency period and was a huge get for the Carolina Panthers, it still came with some doubts as to whether he’d be a rotational defensive tackle or someone that could start.
After just one week of camp, we know the answer.
Jones wasted no time in making his presence felt in Carolina. The coaching staff instantly slotted him alongside Derrick Brown during drills and scrimmages, which could end up being a highly productive partnership judging by early indications.
The lineman was a solid contributor for the Tennessee Titans and is one of few on the roster that has any sort of playoff experience. Jones also knows what’s it’s like being around a team that went from nothing to contending pretty quickly, so this experience can also be useful to a young defense of which much is expected next season.
Carolina will still use the likes of Bravvion Roy and perhaps even fifth-round pick Daviyon Nixon in certain situations. Although neither has the experience or run-stopping ability Jones brings to the table.
Jones has laid down his marker and could be one of the offseason’s best acquisitions when it’s all said and done.