There’s only a couple of practices left at Panthers 2019 training camp before they begin their preseason schedule. A few position battles are still being fought, though. The most important one right now is at nickel cornerback, according to coach Ron Rivera, who told the media after Sunday’s practice that the team is trying to find an answer at the position.
There are several candidates on the 90-man roster who have previous experience playing nickel corner. None of them have been able to separate themselves from the field, though. Until the last couple days, that is.
When Carolina signed former Buccaneers cornerback Javien Elliott we assumed he would eventually win the role and start at nickel corner. We had heard virtually nothing about his camp until Sunday, when he suddenly started getting first-team nickel reps.
Elliott made an immediate impression on observers.
Since then Elliott has been on fire, posting several pass breakups and picking off Cam Newton a couple of times, just as he did during the 2018 season for Tampa.
If Elliott can keep performing at a high level the rest of the month, there’s a strong chance he’ll be the fifth and final piece of the puzzle for Carolina’s starting secondary this season.
To get there, he will have to outplay competitors like Rashaan Gaulden, Corn Elder and Cole Luke.
