While the offense has seen a complete overhaul over the offseason, the defense has been built around an established group of young stars. After taking defensive players with the team’s top draft selection in 2019, 2020 and 2021, Carolina has formed a stout defensive core. Not only that, but they all have plenty of room to grow. With kickoff just days away, let’s look over the defense of the Panthers final roster.
It may seem like a weak defensive line group on paper, but this is partially due to the technicality of the depth chart. Multiple players who will likely play pivotal roles on the defensive line are listed as linebackers, and will be addressed momentarily.
As for this group, it’s clearly headlined by Derrick Brown. The Auburn product is entering his fourth season in the NFL after a quiet breakout year in 2022. He started every single game last season, and recorded a combined 67 tackles. Carolina also has Shy Tuttle, who they acquired over the offseason. Tuttle spent his first four years in New Orleans, recording 143 tackles and four sacks.
Similarly, DeShawn Williams is entering his fifth year in the NFL, but first with the Panthers. He’s coming off a three-year stint with the Broncos, and a career-high in sacks last year with 4.5. Henry Anderson will provide a veteran presence in his second season with the Panthers, while Nick Thurman and LaBryan Ray will look to prove themselves worthy of the roster spots they currently hold.
The Panthers have formed a fantastic core of linebackers who can excel wherever they’re placed on the football field. Arguably the face of the Panthers over the last few seasons, Brian Burns is entering the most pivotal year of his football career. Not only are the Panthers gearing up to try and contend in the NFC South, but Burns is looking to secure a new contract. The back-to-back Pro Bowler has remained with the team and looks set to play on Sunday, despite the ongoing contract negotiations.
Alongside him are Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu. Thompson has been a staple of the Carolina defense since being selected in the first round in the 2015 draft. Meanwhile, Luvu is a recent fan-favorite, who worked his way from practice squad player to certified starter with Pro Bowl potential.
They’ll get to play with Justin Houston, a four-time Pro Bowler entering his 13th season of professional football. Age has yet to slow Houston down, as he recorded 9.5 sacks last year as a Raven, bringing his career total to 111.5. Marquis Haynes and Kamu Grugier-Hill will also serve as reliable veterans for the team.
As for young talent, the Panthers are hoping for breakout seasons from Yetur Gross-Matos and Amare Barno. Both have flashed their potential, but have yet to become consistent forces. DJ Johnson and Claudin Cherelus will also look to make an impact in their rookie seasons.
For the third season running, the starting lineup will feature a cornerback duo of Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson. Horn has been a force since entering the NFL in 2021, despite consistent injuries. He missed most of his rookie season, but came back and impressed last year. Another strong season could cement him as a top 10 cornerback in the NFL.
As for Donte Jackson, he’s been consistently solid for Carolina over the years. With Horn likely covering the opponent’s top receivers, we’ll see if Jackson is presented with more opportunities for spectacular plays.
The starting safety pair consists of two veterans in Xavier Woods and Vonn Bell. Woods is entering his second year in Carolina, while Bell was signed over the offseason. The two combine for 1,077 career tackles, as well as 14 interceptions. Jeremy Chinn could also see time at safety, as well as numerous other positions. The Panthers have used him all over the place so far in his career, and the new coaching staff has stated they intend for him to have a big role.
Sam Franklin Jr., as well as the rookie Jammie Robinson, will also likely see time on the field at safety. As for the backup corners, CJ Henderson will continue to see action in his third year as a Panther. Carolina also has depth in the form of D’Shawn Jamison and Mac McCain III, as well as veteran cornerback Troy Hill, who was just recently signed.
It isn’t the most reliable core in the NFL, but the leaders of the unit have shown the ability to perform against high-level pass-catchers.
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Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
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