The Carolina Panthers need one of their new defensive backs to step into the limelight.
The Carolina Panthers went into the 2016 Draft looking to find a player that can make an impact in the defensive secondary. After dedicating three picks to that need, the Panthers seem to have found an option to fill the hole created by Josh Norman leaving to free agency. When looking at the Panthers 2016 rookie class, it’s safe to bet that once the 2016 season is over the best rookie from the group will be James Bradberry, Daryl Worley or Zack Sanchez.
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Norman’s departure to the Washington Redskins creates a massive void. Norman was a star player that contributed his fair share of big plays but also made the type of plays that allowed his teammates to perform at a high level. This is exactly the type of player that they need to fill that space. Carolina needs a player that can be left on an island against the biggest and best receivers in the NFL. One of these men has to step into that position as a rookie and excel.
According to David Newton of ESPN, the Panthers have already signed Bradberry to a contract. His deal is reportedly worth $3,960,836 across four years with a $1,080,608 signing bonus. However, Bradberry played at Samford which didn’t allow him to compete against what are considered elite receivers. Worley competed at West Virginia, which allowed him to see tougher competitors at this point in their careers.
The Panthers have signed second-round draft pick James Bradberry and seventh-round pick Beau Sandland.... https://t.co/knhtFMsbeH
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) May 9, 2016
Both men have size which is vital in this position. Sanchez is the only one of the three that is under six-feet tall and weighs less than 200 pounds, which puts him at a disadvantage physically. However, he did have the fastest 40-yard dash time of the three in this year’s NFL Combine.
Vernon Butler may have been the first pick for the Panthers, but he’s not going to have the opportunity to jump right into the starting roster. Expectations see him playing behind the likes of Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short; allowing him to grow into the role as a potential starter in the future. Whoever emerges from the pack between Bradberry, Sanchez and Worley will have an immediate opportunity to take a starting position in this group.
Carolina’s current list of starters includes Robert McClain, Tre Boston, Kurt Coleman and Bene Benwikere. McClain and Coleman performed very well last year as Boston was questionable at some points. Benwikere is coming off of a serious leg injury which may inhibit his ability to jump right back into the core group of defensive backs. Boston and Benwikere are the two men who could find their position usurped by these young upstarts.
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The Carolina Panthers are determined to find a player that is capable of fulfilling a valuable need as a defensive back. A few years ago the Panthers’ secondary was considered the weakest part of the group and that time is once again here. Worley seems like the best choice to cement his place as the starter on this group, but it is going to be a compelling battle to watch in the weeks to come.