5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers’ 2021 season
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers S Jeremy Chinn will be named a Pro Bowler in 2021
Marty Hurney didn’t get much right during his second tenure as Carolina Panthers general manager. However, plucking Jeremy Chinn from little-known Southern Illinois with the 64th overall pick was a masterstroke in 2020.
Before a dominant end of the season from Chase Young, Chinn was firmly in the running for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was also thrust into the national spotlight during the Week 12 matchup at the Minnesota Vikings where he ended the game with two defensive touchdowns from fumble recoveries.
Chinn ended the season with 116 tackles, one sack, one interception, two forced fumbles, and as previously mentioned two scores.
In 2020, Carolina was touted as a promising young defense that was a little rough around the edges. Following impressive offseason additions including former Pro Bowl cornerback A.J. Bouye and Haason Reddick, the Panthers could make some real noise on the defensive side this season.
If Chinn can build on this impressive rookie campaign and with the improvements made on the Panthers’ defensive side of the ball, this could mean a trip to the Pro Bowl is in the offing.
Moving Chinn back to his preferred position of safety should also help a secondary that couldn’t manage to find the right formula when it came to getting off the field on third down last time out.