5 simple cuts the Carolina Panthers should make before Week 1
By Dean Jones
Rashaan Melvin – Carolina Panthers CB
There will be no Stephon Gilmore for the Carolina Panthers in 2022 after his brief stint with the organization concluded. But there is still plenty to like about this ascending group becoming among the league’s most dynamic under the expert tutelage of defensive backs coach Steve Wilks.
Jaycee Horn coming back from a broken foot is obviously the biggest factor. There is also the return of Donte Jackson after many anticipated his departure in free agency and the hope that either Keith Taylor or C.J. Henderson can progress into productive players to further assist.
This is sure to leave some out of luck in terms of making the team. One such player might be Rashaan Melvin, who generated some notable reps in 2021 thanks to others dealing with injury problems.
Melvin was solid if not spectacular when on the field. The Northern Illinois product attained 16 tackles, gave up 54.2 percent of targets thrown his way, earned a 59.6 grade from Pro Football Focus, and conceded a 93.6 passer rating when targeted.
His length was an asset to the Panthers at times. But the addition of Chris Westry in free agency has only decreased his hopes of making the roster and especially considering how well the former Baltimore Raven has adjusted to a different environment.