Taking a look at the Panthers defensive options.
Competition makes champions. Here is where the Carolina Panthers are still coasting.
In my last article, I wrote about the biggest competition battle for the Panthers. If you have not read it yet, spoiler alert, it was wide receiver.
Over the next two weeks I will be discussing the areas that need more competition. Spoiler alert, they are all on defense.
Every position except the defensive line needs help.
The defensive line needed the most help this offseason due to allowing the third-most rushing yards in NFL history.
The team’s best lineman, Derrick Brown, was ruled out of the 2024 season in Week 1.
Brown signed a $96m contract after setting an NFL record for most tackles in his position in a single season in 2023 – 103 – receiving Pro Bowl honours. Brown returning in 2025 will be the biggest upgrade of the offseason.
A’Shawn Robinson was the standout lineman last season in Brown’s absence. He led the team in sacks with 5.5, tied with Jadeveon Clowney. Along with Super Bowl winning free agents Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III as well as drafting Cam Jackson in the fifth-round, this position should no longer be a problem.
The areas in the greatest need are the defensive back positions.
Safety
Xavier Woods acted as the top safety over his three-year span in Carolina, leading the team in interceptions in the last two years and in tackles last year.
Alongside him has been one-year fill-ins that did not live up to expectations with Vonn Bell in 2023 and Jordan Fuller in 2024. Both starting spots were empty heading into 2025 free agency. One spot was spectacularly filled with Tre’von Moehrig arriving from Las Vegas.
The starter alongside him will be a three-way battle.
Nick Scott played a back-up role to Fuller last season, performing well on special teams. His play on defense was underwhelming.
Demani Richardson is a real wildcard option. As an undrafted rookie, Richardson impressed during the offseason making the initial 53-man roster. He played in 14 games last season, starting two where he led the team in tackles in both games and made an interception.
Lathan Ransom is a fourth-round rookie and National Championship winner from Ohio State pushing for the starting role in his debut campaign.
The only other safeties currently signed to the roster are undrafted rookie trio Jack Henderson, Isaac Gifford and Trevian Thomas. They will be battling to make a similar impact to that of Richardson last year in hopes of making the team. Apart from those, the depth currently looks worrying.
Cornerback
Jaycee Horn signed a four-year $100m contract this offseason. At the time, an NFL record, since surpassed by Derek Stingley Jr and Sauce Gardner.
Horn worked in tandem with Mike Jackson to form one of the best cornerback pairings in the league on passes defended. Jackson placed tied-third in the league with 17 passes defended – only two off the leader Denzel Ward – a combined 30 between the pair.
Fifth-round rookie Chau Smith-Wade made a name for himself in the nickel and is said to be making an impact in camp so far as the most improved player.
Outside of those starters, there is no name ready to step in as cover.
Shemar Bartholomew went undrafted last year, signing with the New York Jets. He was a standout in preseason becoming the most in demand player on waivers. He played in five games last year, starting in the final game against Atlanta, making three tackles and defending two passes.
Akayleb Evans, claimed off waivers from Minnesota in November, played in the final two games with three tackles and one pass defended.
MJ Devonshire, a seventh-round pick for Las Vegas in 2024, waived in April then signed to the Panthers. He played no games in his rookie season spending it all on the Raiders’ practice squad.
Undrafted rookies Mike Reid, Corey Thornton and JaTravis Broughton will be fighting the previous three names to make the final roster. Similar to the safety position, outside of the starters, the depth is a concern. An injury here, a suspension there, who do the Panthers turn to?
Next week… edge and linebacker. Stay tuned.
