For the first time in years, the Panthers have a decent foundation for their secondary. Safety Eric Reid just re-upped for three more years, and the team’s starting outside cornerbacks also have plenty of promise. Donte Jackson and James Bradberry have their flaws, but they’re at least as good as most of the cornerbacks in the division right now.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bradberry and Jackson both ranked in the top five of their NFC South cornerbacks grades for the 2018 season. Marshon Lattimore of the Saints came in first place, followed by Desmond Trufant of the Falcons. Bradberry and Jackson ranked third and fourth respectively.
While it’s good to have two in the top five, keep in mind that this is a relatively low bar. Cornerback is far from the deepest position group in the NFC South and Lattimore was the only real star of the group this past season.
So, the division cornerback competition isn’t insurmountable by any means. If Bradberry and Jackson both take a step forward in 2019, it may be tough not to call them the division’s best starting duo.
