5 NY Jets players the Carolina Panthers must keep quiet in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Sheldon Rankins – DT
Acquiring Sheldon Rankins was a major get by the New York Jets this offseason. The defensive tackle has shown flashes of true quality during his NFL career so far and there could be even more to come with some additional responsibilities at MetLife Stadium.
Rankins is an intimidating figure that can make things happen if not given the necessary attention. He logged 17.5 sacks over his five seasons with the New Orleans Saints and the former first-round pick accepted a two-year, $11 million deal with the Jets that included a $1.5 million signing bonus and $6 million guaranteed.
The veteran has been one of the offseason’s stars in New York. Rankins wasted no time imposing his will on the organization and this has left many anticipating a big campaign for the Louisville product in 2021.
There remains some concern about how the Carolina Panthers are going to protect Sam Darnold effectively. It’s been a fluid situation throughout training camp with plenty of players rotated into the lineup, but we won’t know for sure how this unit will fare until they take the field in a competitive setting.
Rankins is going to be a problem. One that the Panthers must take seriously if they want to get their season off on the right foot.