5 players winning their position battles at Panthers training camp

Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB

There doesn’t appear much doubt about who the top-three cornerbacks on the Carolina Panthers are. Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, and A.J. Bouye could be a superb trio if their first few days at training camp are any indication, but the free-agent signing is suspended for the first two games and someone else needs to stand up and be counted right out of the gate.

This makes the No. 4 depth chart position battle vitally important. Any complications early within the secondary could be something that hurts the team’s chances of gaining some early momentum.

The rotational pieces have all flashed at times. But it’s hard to look at Keith Taylor Jr.’s production so far and not be impressed.

Taylor was drafted in the fifth round by the Panthers after progressing well at Washington. There are still some things to work out from a technical standpoint, but the corner is a solid cover presence and thrives in press coverage, so he might have the edge on the likes of Troy Pride Jr., Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, and Rashaan Melvin heading into the business end of camp.

The Panthers might be a little cautious when it comes to putting too much on Taylor’s shoulders. Especially considering Horn is also lacking pro experience and might need a more veteran presence around him in addition to Jackson.