Following a 7-9 season the Carolina Panthers have changed so much of their roster. The Panthers traded away quarterback Teddy Bridgewater after acquiring quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold was the 3rd overall pick by the New York Jets in 2018 and a new situation will benefit both him and the Panthers. Carolina has so much young talent which has set them up for a successful future.
While it may not be as exciting as the Cam Newton-led Panthers, the team should be fun to watch this season. The young talent is primed to break out and the Panthers are in a position to be a successful team for a long time.
3. Quarterback Sam Darnold
Although Darnold hasn't had much success in his young career he has potential. There is a reason the Jets selected him with the 3rd pick and he now has talent around him to succeed. Darnold's ability to buy time and create plays outside of the pocket will only strengthen the offense. He has had turnover issues throughout his college and pro career but if he can limit those, he could turn into a star. Darnold has never had talent around him but will get a real opportunity to prove himself this season.
2. Defensive end Brian Burns
The young stud pass rusher Brian Burns has a chance to take his game to the next level. Burns has showed his incredible athleticism through his first 2 seasons. He was a great draft pick by the Panthers as he can be an anchor on defense for years to come. He registered 58 tackles and nine sacks this past season which shows his potential to be a top pass rusher in the league. The team has also improved around him adding other young talents on the defensive side of the ball.
Building around Burns on defense will only make it easier for him to become a top pass rusher.
1. Safety Jeremy Chinn
The versatile safety Jeremy Chinn showcased the ability to be a star in the NFL. The Panthers selected Chinn in the second round of the 2020 draft and he made a difference early. He posted two touchdowns during the 2020 season which is rare for a player on defense. Chinn played a hybrid roll for the Panthers last season as he played both safety and linebacker. After releasing safety Tre Boston he should see a majority of his playing time as safety this season.
Chinn always seems to be around the football and making plays. He is a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and improved every game last season. Expect to see a big jump from Chinn this season as he becomes a star.
The Panthers are set up for a great future, especially with these players. They have done a great job of drafting and acquiring young talent which has set this team up for success. Darnold has the weapons and talent to be a franchise quarterback while Chinn and Burns can lead the defense. While you may not think of the Panthers as a winning team, they will compete for a playoff spot next season.
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