Can Steve Wilks turn Jeremy Chinn into an All-Pro in 2022?

Could Carolina Panthers defensive backs coach Steve Wilks turn Jeremy Chinn into an All-Pro safety during the 2022 season?

There was plenty of speculation about where Jeremy Chinn would line up for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. The do-it-all defender switched back to safety after an exceptional rookie campaign at outside linebacker, something that didn’t alter his overall impact on proceedings in the slightest en route to more than 100 tackles once again.

Despite this production, the Panthers contemplated moving Chinn back to the second level given his explosiveness and natural instincts to be around the football consistently. As it turned out, some sound advice from new defensive backs coach Steve Wilks apparently convinced defensive coordinator Phil Snow to keep the Southern Illinois product where he is for the time being.

During his media availability on Tuesday, Snow revealed that Wilks outlined his belief that Chinn could potentially become an All-Pro on the backend with a little more refinement. A bold claim to make, obviously, but something that could be within reach providing the coach and player hit it off this offseason.

Things might not have ended too brightly for Wilks as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. But he is one of the brightest coaches in the business and his return to Carolina has the potential to benefit Chinn more than most.

The 2020 second-round pick already has the athletic and physical traits. What Chinn could do to improve his game further is become a little more reliable in coverage.

Carolina Panthers could benefit from Steve Wilks coaching Jeremy Chinn

This is where Wilks comes in.

There isn’t much the respected figure hasn’t seen or done in the game. So his profound defensive knowledge could provide Chinn with the spark he needs to take his game to new heights.

That’s not to say Chinn won’t be tasked with second-level responsibilities as the season goes on. The player has simply too much talent to be stuck away from the action and the signing of Xavier Woods from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency should also assist in this regard.

Wilks was a popular hire by the Panthers during their staff makeover below Matt Rhule, who was clearly eager to bring in coaches with proven NFL experience after getting a reprieve from team owner David Tepper following another five-win campaign.

It’s clear that Wilks has set his sights on making Chinn a superstar. He is already well on track to accomplish this and was named a Pro Bowl alternate last season, but it’s hard to envisage a situation where his new coach doesn’t help him make the improvements needed to reach a completely different stratosphere.

This is nothing but good news for the Panthers, who need to show some sort of progress next season. Otherwise, Tepper could decide to opt for a complete reset.

Having Chinn become ever more of a force under Wilks’ guidance would be a significant asset to call upon. It would also set the player up nicely for an early contract extension this time next year.

Wilks and Chinn working together seem like a match made in heaven. Hopefully, this will translate to another career year for an integral part of Carolina’s defense who has the world at his feet.