4 Carolina Panthers players with tumbling stock at the 2022 bye week

Myles Hartsfield – Carolina Panthers DB

Plucked from the undrafted free agent pool in 2020, Myles Hartsfield deserves endless praise for fighting hard to earn a prominent spot on the defensive rotation. The versatile player’s been a key depth chart piece almost from the moment he entered the league, which has continued for the Carolina Panthers this season with some solid displays.

Hartsfield isn’t the most spectacular defensive back that’s ever suited up in Carolina. He struggles to lock people up in coverage as reflected in his 114.5 passer rating when targeted and although his run-stopping has improved, the Ole Miss product lacks the explosiveness to make things happen instinctively.

Perhaps the most concerning thing is how much better the Panthers’ defense has looked without Hartsfield over the last fortnight. This unit came to life thanks in no small part to Jeremy Chinn’s return, which doesn’t do much for the player’s chances of earning an extended stay beyond the current campaign.

There is also the ongoing emergence of Sam Franklin to consider. The special teams ace also caught the eye when on the defensive rotation in Week 12, which could lead to more involvement down the stretch to enhance the evaluation behind the starting safety tandem of Chinn and Xavier Woods.

If Hartsfield is fit enough to come back after the bye, it’s absolutely vital he makes every rep count when given responsibility.