Panthers depth chart focus: Are DTs ready to take the next step?

Daviyon Nixon & Phil Hoskins – Carolina Panthers DTs

While the Carolina Panthers signed Matt Ioannidis this offseason to help complete the defensive tackle rotation, the next two in line are Daviyon Nixon and Phil Hoskins, who are both coming off solid rookie seasons.

Both Nixon and Hoskins were late-round draft picks in 2021 but proved that could be potential building blocks in Carolina if they continue their encouraging trajectory.

Nixon, a fifth-round pick, had his rookie season cut short due to injury last year but in his small sample size, he showed that he could be a potential steal. The Iowa product played in seven games and brought much-needed energy and athleticism.

He was originally supposed to be selected higher in the draft but had a bit of a fall. If Nixon can regain the confidence that many had before last year’s draft and show no adverse effects from his serious knee injury, the lineman could be in line for a bigger role.

For Hoskins, who was taken in the seventh round, making Carolina’s 53-man roster is the main objective initially. A task he looks more than capable of providing there are no complications in training camp.

In three games as a rookie, Hoskins compiled four tackles, including one sack and one tackle for loss. That’s not bad at all for such limited playing time and there could be more to come with further development.