5 under-the-radar Panthers players to get excited about in 2022

Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT

Although Daviyon Nixon’s rookie season ended cruelly with an early injury, there is little doubt about his prospects moving forward after flashing significantly when on the field.

Concerns about his character coming out of college were quickly quashed after Nixon integrated well within the Carolina Panthers throughout the offseason. Not only this, but the Iowa product also earned a key role on the defensive line rotation – making the most out of whatever reps came his way.

The Panthers lost DaQuan Jones in free agency, so unless Matt Ioannidis transitions smoothly to working with his former college coaches once again, an opportunity could knock for additional playing time where Nixon is concerned.

Hopefully, that will be the last of his injury problems. Even though there is just no telling for sure given the defensive tackle position is a brutal one.

Nixon has the size and explosiveness to become a consistently disruptive force. What’s important for the player this offseason is reaffirming his status on the depth chart and leaving no doubt as to his importance during the upcoming campaign and beyond.

There will be plenty of competition for places. But the No. 3 defensive tackle spot appears to be an attainable target for Nixon with a view to something more down the line.