Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DL
After the Carolina Panthers decided to let Haason Reddick leave in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles, a substantial increase in reps should be coming Yetur Gross-Matos’ way as a result. The former second-round selection flashed moments of brilliance during his sophomore campaign and there could be even more to come with additional responsibilities in Year 3.
Gross-Matos has the size, burst, and athleticism to pose significant problems. His versatility to operate on the edge or as a three-technique on the interior is a major asset, but it would be a big disappointment if the Penn State product wasn’t the Panthers’ starting defensive end opposite Brian Burns in 2022.
Carolina placed a lot of faith in Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes, and Frankie Luvu to take the necessary leaps forward next season. Although the Panthers are clearly looking to add another veteran edge presence before Week 1 to compensate for Reddick’s departure.
This is the chance Gross-Matos has been waiting for. Something that could take his game to a level not seen since he joined the Panthers as the No. 38 overall selection in 2020.
However, if Gross-Matos fluffs his lines and cannot rise to the occasion, then it might see the pass-rusher forced back into a rotational role. Simply put, this would be nothing short of disastrous for the player and the Panthers.