The Panthers will attempt to get their depth ducks in a row on defense as we approach the final 53 man roster cutdown.
Hello Panthers fans! Welcome to the final week of the preseason, before we can get onto some REAL football! This preseason has been mostly about the Panthers defense, as the offense hasn’t really played anyone of note save for a few snaps for their wide receivers and young tight ends with the second and third teams. On defense, we’re getting to see some of the young depth show out and shine, which is important, as many of them could end up playing significant snaps on Sundays. Let’s dive into their final showing before the start of the season.
The last spots available on the front seven
Guys like EDGE Eku Leota and LBs Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus have been nice little surprises this preseason, and have likely solidified themselves as key depth pieces along the front seven. However, there’s still a spot or two left at the inside and outside linebacker positions potentially, and definitely some wiggle room along the interior Defensive Line positions. DE TJ Smith had himself a fantastic outing against the Jets last week, and could potentially push rookie Jaden Crumedy out and take his spot. LaBryan Ray and Nick Thurman also have some fighting to do for their roster spots. The front seven group on the back end should give us some ideas as to what the final roster will look like as they are deployed on Saturday.
Cornerback still very much unsolved
After free agent acquisition Dane Jackson went down with a multi-week injury, it became apparent that the CB2 spot is up for grabs early on in the season. Couple that with preseason standout CB Lamar Jackson being released due to injury after a few solid outings, and there’s still some ground out there for someone to take up at CB. DiCaprio Bootle, Chau Smith-Wade, and D’Shawn Jamison (among others) have the chance to solidify a starting role come week one. And potentially stave off the Panthers from going after other corners during cut down season next week on waivers.
Safety depth
The Panthers top 4 safeties appear to be set going into the regular season, as Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller appear locked in as starters while Nick Scott and Alex Cook appear to be set as the last two. However, UDFA Demani Richardson has been a consistent playmaker throughout the preseason with several turnovers in practice and in the preseason games. He could make a case to make the roster over someone like Jammie Robinson, who plays both nickel and safety. With Sam Franklin out for the foreseeable future, those last safety spots are up for grabs.
Who are you excited to see on Saturday? Do you have any defensive players you’d like to see the Panthers go after on waivers during the 53 man cutdown? Sound off below in the comments!!