5 Panthers position battles that could be decided in preseason Week 2

Carolina Panthers SS3 and FS3

This is another intriguing positional battle that might be decided following Sunday’s game. The competition is hot and heavy behind the projected starting duo of Jeremy Chinn and Juston Burris at safety, with plenty of talented young players vying for primary backup roles.

It appears likely that Sam Franklin will win the SS2 job. The impression he left last season was notable and although there have been some struggles in coverage this offseason, he is well thought of by Matt Rhule and worked with the coach closely at Temple.

The FS3 position is up for grabs. Kenny Robinson and Doug Middleton could be the frontrunners for the role, but the versatility of Sean Chandler and Myles Hartsfield to play anywhere on the backend is something that cannot be ignored.

The Carolina Panthers are hoping Burris raises his game accordingly with a dynamic playmaker such as Chinn alongside him. If he continues to regress, then it might see one of the aforementioned individuals thrust into a starting role a lot sooner than expected.

Carolina’s defense has a lot going for it in 2021. Not only within their starting unit, but things look a lot more promising from a depth standpoint if those lower down the pecking order reach the levels expected.