Carolina Panthers Post-Draft Depth Chart: Defense
The 2023 NFL Draft is officially behind us and now the focus turns to adding a piece or two on each side of the ball ahead of training camp via free agency. The Carolina Panthers had five selections in this year's draft, using two of them on defensive players. Following the draft, the team added nine more through undrafted free agency.
We're a long way away from the start of training camp, but what does the depth chart look like as of today? Here would be my guess.
Note: Rookies listed in bold
DE: Derrick Brown, Henry Anderson
NT: Shy Tuttle, Bravvion Roy, John Penisini, Marquan McCall
DE: DeShawn Williams, Jalen Redmond
OLB: DJ Johnson, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr.
Analysis: Scott Fitterer kind of hinted at it the other day that they believe Johnson can step in right away and play immediately. I didn't love the idea of trading up for him or even taking him in the third round but he does have loads of potential. Gross-Matos doesn't necessarily fit in this defense, so Johnson is the starter for now. Expect Carolina to sign another pass rusher ahead of training camp.
ILB: Frankie Luvu, Brandon Smith, Chandler Wooten
ILB: Shaq Thompson, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Bumper Pool, Austin Ajiake
OLB: Brian Burns, Amaré Barno, Eku Leota, Travez Moore
CB: Jaycee Horn, C.J. Henderson, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, Colby Richardson
FS: Xavier Woods, Sam Franklin Jr., Nico Bolden
SS: Vonn Bell, Jammie Robinson
Analysis: I could see Robinson lining up at either safety spot and maybe even the nickel. I don't believe he'll be pigeonholed into one position. But for the purpose of this article, I'll have him playing the majority of his snaps at strong safety behind Vonn Bell.
CB: Donte Jackson, Keith Taylor Jr., Rejzohn Wright, Mark Milton
NB: Jeremy Chinn, Eric Rowe
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