4 under-the-radar Panthers staking a strong claim in 2022 camp

Myles Hartsfield – Carolina Panthers DB

With so many injuries to the cornerback toom throughout camp, it’s made life difficult regarding assessments of the group next season. Jaycee Horn, Keith Taylor Jr., and C.J. Henderson have all missed time, leaving the Carolina Panthers short of options and relying more on those further down the depth chart and on individuals who probably won’t be around in September.

However, it has allowed Myles Hartsfield to enhance his influence. The versatile defensive back has drawn praise from head coach Matt Rhule for the way he’s applied himself in the safety spot and primarily as a nickel cornerback – a position where he continues to thrive.

Hartsfield emerged from undrafted obscurity onto the defensive rotation immediately in 2020. There were times last season where his positional sense left a lot to be desired, but it’s hard not to be impressed by the developments made under returning defensive backs coach Steve Wilks.

One expects to see the Ole Miss product feature heavily in the preseason due to health concerns elsewhere. If Hartsfield can make the most out of whatever reps come his way, then it could see him emerge as a core piece for the Panthers’ defense in 2022.

Carolina also values Hartsfield for his versatility, which has already proven crucial with bodies dropping everywhere at Wofford College. Dependability like this is hard to find, so the Panthers deserve credit for finding a real gem when most cast their eyes elsewhere.