The Carolina Panthers are kicking off the 2020 season with what looks like a brand new team. In the defensive backfield, the team lost two starters by releasing safety Eric Reid and losing cornerback James Bradberry to free agency, leading to an NFL draft class stacked with defensive players.
One pick that was highly praised by many was Jeremy Chinn— the No. 64 overall selection at the end of the second round. Carolina traded up for Chinn, drawing praise from former franchise great Muhsin Muhammad, who called it a “helluva pick.”
On Sunday, Panthers defensive back Juston Burris said Chinn is going to be great for this defense wherever they line him up.
Burris (six-foot, 212 pounds) was signed by Carolina this offseason on a two-year deal worth $8 million coming off his best year in Cleveland. Over nine games, Burris recorded 32 combined tackles, adding two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Even after signing Burris and bringing back Tre Boston, the team still lacked depth in the secondary. So, Carolina picked four defensive backs in the draft beginning with Chinn, the Southern Illinois product who calls himself a positionless defender, or “just a threat,” per the official team website.
Chinn says the Panthers have been rotating him between safety, nickel, dime and the box. However, his most natural position may be strong safety. That means to earn his playing time, first Chinn might have to prove himself compared to Burris.
