For the first time in years, the Panthers have assembled a solid bunch of cornerbacks to compete this year at training camp. With a number of quality options, the odds are good that at least one of them pans out as a solid slot cornerback to round out Carolina’s secondary.
Here is a list of four potential slot corners for the team in 2019.
The favorite: Ross Cockrell
Since he came into the NFL, Cockrell has amassed 116 tackles and five interceptions in 31 starts. He’s spent time at outside corner as well as in the slot. With the ascension of Donte Jackson at the number two cornerback position, Cockrell will likely have to move his talents to the inside if he wants to compete for a spot in 2019.
A Charlotte native, Cockrell was one of the bigger free agent signings of the 2018 offseason. But after breaking his leg in training camp, he spent the entire season on injured reserve. Now back in shape and ready to play, he should be considered the front-runner to win the nickel corner job.
The no. 2 contender: Javien Elliott
As an undrafted free agent, Elliott spent the majority of his first three years in the NFL bouncing back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster of the division rival Buccaneers. He has played in 37 games in his career and recorded his first career interception against Cam Newton and the Panthers in 2018.
Although he may not have as much experience as Cockrell overall, he may have an advantage in that most of his playing time in the pros has come at the slot cornerback position. If he performs well enough in camp and preseason, he could win this competition.
Sleeper candidates: Kevon Seymour, Corn Elder
Seymour was acquired from the Bills in a trade in 2017. After playing in 16 games and starting twice in 2017, Seymour injured his shoulder and missed all of 2018. A man-coverage specialist during his rookie season, Seymour has generally declined since then, and this is likely in his last chance to win a roster spot with the Panthers. If he does not win the slot competition, it’s possible he sticks around as a backup corner.
Elder was a fifth-round pick by Carolina two years ago. He’s also dealt with some injuries. With only one playing season under his belt, it’s worth calling this Elder’s true second year with the team. Elder’s limited time on the field during the 2018 season was not good, as he gave up easy completions and multiple touchdowns while in coverage. He has an uphill battle ahead of him to win this competition and make the team.
