Re-grading Panthers position groups on defense after 2021 season

Carolina Panthers Ss

It seems to be a trend for the Carolina Panthers of having a position of both good and bad on defense this season and safety is no exception. Jeremy Chinn was a superstar out of position at linebacker last season and a move back to his preferred role of safety seemed like the logical move given how thin the team was on the back end.

However, the second-year player struggled in coverage at points and while being a star at the position was good, it wasn’t the type of impact the team had hoped for or gotten used to.

Some of that can be blamed on the lack of consistency alongside him with Juston Burris being a solid safety that can’t seem to stay on the field for more than a few games at a time. The backups behind the oft-injured player were mostly developmental projects, which didn’t exactly help matters.

Kenny Robinson was probably the best of the bunch in his limited action, making some solid splash plays late in the season and may have the upside to be something of a solid backup or rotational piece in the near future.

While Sean Chandler and Sam Franklin also had some nice moments, neither has shown the upside to be considered as a potential starter.

• Preseason Grade: A
• Final Grade B-

Just like the linebacker room, if the team can find a solid pairing for Chinn this group could be amazing. But the young safety will also need to make a jump in Year 3 or the Panthers may start considering a move back to the second level.

If the Panthers can lock this down it will lead to a truly solid defense.