We’re expecting a better-than-average defense for the Carolina Panthers this season. Their defensive line should be able to generate pressure consistently, and they have a much better-looking depth chart at middle linebacker now compared to 2020. The x-factor will be how well their new-look secondary performs.
Carolina invested a lot of resources at cornerback this offseason. In theory that should help, but there are still questions about this unit. Pro Football Focus has their secondary ranked No. 23 in the NFL going into 2021.
“The Panthers have selected Jeremy Chinn, Troy Pride Jr. and Jaycee Horn in the past two drafts to join Donte Jackson in the secondary, showing that the team values speed and athleticism. . . Improvement from Chinn in his second season, along with immediate contributions from newcomers Horn and A.J. Bouye, could lead to an improved secondary for the Panthers in 2021.”
Jeremy Chinn’s development in coverage will be a critical factor to watch as the schedule unfolds, as will A.J. Bouye’s performance playing in the slot as opposed to outside. Assuming that Jaycee Horn lives up to the hype and Donte Jackson continues trending up, the only real worrisome spot might be at free safety.
Cutting Tre Boston for minimal cap savings was one of this team’s most questionable moves. They didn’t draft any safeties to replace him and the only notable free agent pickup was Lano Hill, who has just six career starts under his belt.
If this hole at free safety isn’t effectively filled by Juston Burris or somebody else on the roster, it could become the weakest link in the chain on the back end. Finding a workable solution at this spot should be at the top of the team’s to-do list on defense as training camp approaches.
