5 Panthers who’ve blown away expectations at the 2021 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
Although Donte Jackson showed enormous potential in 2020, there were growing doubts about whether the Carolina Panthers could rely on the cornerback from a health standpoint.
Jackson is in the final year of his deal and was aiming to prove beyond all doubt he can eventually become one of the league’s best at the position. A high bar to aim for, without question.
As it turned out, Jackson has not only raised his level of production to an exceptional level but he’s rid himself of the complications that blighted the previous campaign. The LSU product has been nothing short of outstanding over the first half of the campaign and he’s done his chances of securing a huge deal in 2022 the world of good.
Carolina is loaded at the cornerback position. But with Stephon Gilmore and A.J. Bouye also out of contract, it’s going to be an offseason of tough decisions for the front office.
Jackson and Gilmore should take priority. Although there is only so much money to go around and players at other positional groups also want pay in accordance with their performance standard.
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The former second-round pick has emerged as a No. 1 option and a leader within the locker room. Jackson’s improvements against the run cannot be denied and although expectations were pretty high coming into the campaign, the player has surpassed them comfortably.