Rashaan Melvin – Carolina Panthers CB
Even though the Carolina Panthers had a tremendously strong cornerback unit at one stage this season, a series of injuries have ravaged this positional group to the point where backups and unfancied players will take the field at the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.
One such individual is Rashaan Melvin, who’s been in and out of the lineup this season and although liked by head coach Matt Rhule, doesn’t have much in the way of consistency to go off.
Melvin has featured eight times for the Panthers in 2021, giving up eight receptions from 11 targets en route to a modest 60.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. Providing one of Stephon Gilmore or Donte Jackson are brought back in free agency, then it’s highly likely the Northern Illinois product will be on the outside looking in.
Nobody expected Melvin to make a lasting contribution this season. But what he’s displayed when on the field hasn’t been up to the standard normally expected of starting NFL cornerbacks.
Just what the future holds for Melvin if he does leave the Panthers is uncertain.
The veteran is 32 years old now, which could see teams steer away from him in favor of a younger, more athletic option. Melvin will be all too aware of this scenario, so it’s vital for him to finish the season on a high and keep himself in the shop window.