5 Carolina Panthers players who could become breakout stars in 2022

Kenny Robinson – Carolina Panthers S

After bouncing on and off the practice squad throughout most of his first two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, former fifth-round draft pick Kenny Robinson finally got his first real opportunity late in the 2021 season. While still too soon to evaluate what sort of future he has in the league, the West Virginia product had some moments that popped out on film.

Robinson saw an uptick in action over the last month of the season, collecting eight total tackles over the team’s final four games. In Carolina’s Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he earned his first career start.

The sample size for Robinson is still minimal, but the audition he provided to close out this season is encouraging. If the defensive back can brush up on his coverage skills, he could turn into a serious gem for a team that continues to lack stability at safety.

One reason some fans remain so intrigued with Robinson is because of the aggressive tenacity that he plays with. Many condemn Matt Rhule’s Panthers for being too soft, and someone that brings a passion to his play could come in handy moving forward.

As previously mentioned, the Panthers haven’t enjoyed continuity from the safety position in years.

With Juston Burris set to hit free agency, expect the revolving door to continue this offseason. Competition of some form will surely be provided to the safety room, but Robinson enters the offseason with a legitimate chance to earn a starting role for next season.