5 key observations from Carolina Panthers joint practices with Ravens

Carolina Panthers DT Daviyon Nixon’s emergence

One thing that’s become increasingly obvious over the last week or two is the Carolina Panthers have a player of immense promise on their hands in Daviyon Nixon. The defensive tackle has come of age following an initial period of adjustment, which leaves plenty of reasons to suspect that he might have a big part to play during his rookie campaign.

Nixon showed enormous promise at the Indianapolis Colts and put this positive momentum to good use in the two scrimmages against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Iowa product was a wreaking machine on the interior in the face of a threadbare Baltimore offensive line, which culminated in two interceptions on Thursday that wowed those in attendance.

This was another huge step in the right direction for Nixon, who had a second-round grade from most analysts before character concerns saw the player tumble into Day 3 during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Carolina has a lot of solid young contributors all pulling in the same direction. Nixon has settled into the group well and appears locked in on proving his doubters’ wrong judging by his gradual increase in influence.

The Panthers have Derrick Brown and DaQuan Jones slotted as their defensive tackle starters. But Nixon can make his presence felt thanks to eye-catching athleticism and playmaking instincts.