5 Carolina Panthers players whose stock is soaring through Week 3
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
The stakes were incredibly high for Donte Jackson in 2021, partly because he was playing in a contract year and of course, due to the exceptional talent at his disposal.
Jackson ended the 2020 campaign strongly after a frustrating spell with a toe problem. But the early signs state that the former second-round pick has put all that behind him at just the right time.
The LSU product has been sensational through Week 3. Jackson’s ability in coverage is well known, but perhaps even more impressive is the progress made in run support.
One doesn’t have to look far to see how much Jackson has been working on this particular area of his game. He’s come up with some important stops in key situations, something that the Carolina Panthers hope can continue long into the future.
It’s been an eye-catching opening for Jackson, who’ll have to step up even more now that Jaycee Horn has been ruled out for multiple weeks with a broken foot despite the team acquiring C.J. Henderson via trade. The veteran needs to keep this positive momentum going without the No. 8 overall selection, which is another opportunity to add additional dollars to his demands next spring.
Carolina has let some top cornerbacks leave for nothing in the past. They’d be wise not to do the same with Jackson if his production continues evolving and – more importantly – he stays free of injury problems.