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Carolina Panthers: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

By Russell S. Baxter

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 13: C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball as he is followed by Caraun Reid #91 of the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter of a 21-13 Charger win at Qualcomm Stadium on October 13, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 13: C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball as he is followed by Caraun Reid #91 of the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter of a 21-13 Charger win at Qualcomm Stadium on October 13, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 6: Da’Norris Searcy #21 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 6: Da’Norris Searcy #21 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

2. Da’Norris Searcy, SS (from Tennessee Titans)

He may very well be one of the league’s more underrated defensive players. In a total of seven seasons with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans, versatile defensive back Da’Norris Searcy was highly productive. But while he played all 16 games for the Titans this past season, he was limited to only six starts. He finished the year with only 23 tackles, one interceptions and two passes defensed for the playoff-bound team.

The 29-year-old pro, a fourth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2011, has played both strong and free safety as well as cornerback during his NFL career. He’s totaled eight interceptions, 26 passes defensed, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles during his days in secondary. While his play against the run was less than mediocre this past season, he’s solid in pass coverage. And that’s where the Carolina Panthers could certainly use more help these days.

The club finished third in the league against the run this past season and could be even better this year with the aforementioned addition of defensive tackle Dontari Poe. But Carolina was a mere 18th in the NFL when it came to passing yards allowed per contest. The team allowed just 32 offensive touchdowns in 16 regular-season games but 25 of those scores came through the air.

The Panthers have made their share of changes in the secondary this past season. Searcy’s versatility could become a big plus come this fall.

Next: No. 1

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