Which players could follow defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to the Carolina Panthers in time for the 2023 season?
Securing the services of Ejiro Evero could be the spark that propels an already talented Carolina Panthers defense into one of the league’s most dominant units. The defensive coordinator was a hot commodity and got some head coaching interest, but he felt joining Frank Reich’s staff was the best way to progress his career with a view to getting a top job in 2024.
That is entirely possible considering how Evero’s stock is soaring. So it’s important that the Panthers make the most out of their new acquisition whilst they can.
If that means bringing in some individuals that are already familiar with Evero’s system, then so be it. Although personnel matters will come down to what general manager Scott Fitterer thinks as the Panthers move to a more traditional recruitment approach.
On this subject, here are four players that could end up following Evero to Carolina in 2023.
Player No. 1
Carolina Panthers could sign Kareem Jackson
Although Kareem Jackson is firmly in the twilight of his playing career, the veteran safety could be an asset for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. His production was solid under Ejiro Evero last season and even though he wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting berth, there’s a lot to like about his leadership that could help some cope with the switch to a primary 3-4 base.
Jackson would likely jump at the chance to reunite with Evero in Carolina. But this does go away from the team’s usual recruitment of young, athletic players with high upside.
Carolina Panthers could sign Dre’Mont Jones
Finding help on the defensive front is a high priority for the Carolina Panthers. This bears special significance on the edge considering the struggles endured by Yetur Gross-Matos after his elevation to a starting role.
Just how much influence Ejiro Evero will have in the recruitment process remains to be seen. However, it might be worth those in power listening keenly to his thoughts as they look to secure players that thrive within his progressive defensive system.
One player who could be worth a look is Dre’Mont Jones. The former third-round pick worked closely with Evero on the Denver Broncos last season and could be a nice addition as a primary rotational piece if nothing else.
Jones has proven credentials when it comes to getting after the quarterback. His 6.5 sacks last season equaled his career high, but inconsistency against the run represents a concern that needs to be rectified.
The positives outweigh the negatives in this scenario. Jones already knows full well what Evero wants in his defensive playmakers, which would not doubt aid others looking to make their own transitions into a completely new approach.
After playing 81 percent of Denver’s defensive snaps under Evero in 2022, this makes a ton of sense. But much will depend on the money Jones wants considering the Panthers don’t have much to spend right now.
Carolina Panthers could sign Alex Singleton
The Carolina Panthers are about to make some important moves at the linebacker position before free agency. Damien Wilson looks like a prime-cut candidate, Cory Littleton might not be back, and the future of veteran Shaq Thompson is also unclear given the cap savings involved with his early departure.
Hopes are high surrounding Brandon Smith – a player that should excel under Ejiro Evero. But if the defensive coordinator wants a reliable presence with proven knowledge of his scheme, then examining Alex Singleton‘s fit is something to contemplate.
Singleton played the best football of his career with Evero leading the charge last season. The one-time Montana State standout racked up 163 tackles and earned an impressive 79.1 grade from Pro Football Focus after improving all areas of his game.
While some deficiencies in coverage remain, there is enough athletic talent currently on Carolina’s defense for Singleton to do what he does best – get after the football and provide an assured presence against the run.
This move is unlikely to cost the earth, which also helps.
Singleton is also relatively fresh after a late start to his pro career. But with 420 tackles over his three seasons as a starter in Denver and the Philadelphia Eagles, this is a solid option.
Carolina Panthers could sign Samson Ebukam
Before Ejiro Evero surged up the head coaching ladder with the Denver Broncos, he was a hugely respected positional coach. His time on Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles came with significant praise and something that got him a well-deserved promotion to defensive coordinator last spring.
While this might not hold much weight in terms of how the Carolina Panthers approach recruitment, Evero’s previous knowledge of former Rams players could be critical if certain individuals become targets. One such example is Samson Ebukam, who played in Los Angeles before spending the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
Ebukam has put up decent numbers as a rotational piece since entering the league as a fourth-round selection. There is some encouraging explosiveness to work with and the player also has experience in the 3-4 base scheme Evero is expected to run.
This might not something that interests Ebukam – especially if he gets the chance to remain in San Francisco – but it’s a good system fit. There’s also the promise of extended involvement given the inconsistencies opposite Brian Burns in 2022.
One suspects Evero’s influence to be significant. But with the buck firmly stopping at Scott Fitterer’s door this offseason, everything has to go through the general manager before the 2023 campaign.