As the Carolina Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, their inside linebacker unit faces crucial questions, particularly around who will solidify their spot on the final roster. As training camp begins to near an end, we look at how this position could shake out.
Shaq Thompson, a seasoned veteran and long-time captain of the Panthers' defense, is at the heart of this unit. After suffering a season-ending leg injury early last season, his return is highly anticipated. The Panthers will be looking for Thompson to bounce back and regain the form that made him a key player in Carolina's defense. Thompson's ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level will be critical, especially given the loss of Frankie Luvu in free agency. Thompson’s experience and leadership are expected to be pivotal, but his ability to stay on the field and avoid further injuries will ultimately determine his impact.
Alongside Thompson, the Panthers brought in Josey Jewell, a familiar face to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen from their time together in Denver. Jewell's consistent, steady presence makes him a reliable figure on the field. Although not the flashiest player, Jewell’s understanding of the defensive scheme and his ability to contribute across the board will be essential as the Panthers seek to offset the versatility void left by Luvu’s departure.
However, beyond Thompson and Jewell, the competition remains wide open. Trevin Wallace, the team’s third-round pick, stands out as a promising young talent. His athleticism and impressive college career at Kentucky position him as a potential future cornerstone of the defense. Wallace continues to prove himself during training camp, where he has shown what he can do with pads on and during in-game scenarios. If he keeps performing well, Wallace could find himself as a key rotational player, potentially stepping into a more significant role if Thompson or Jewell get injured or falter. His future looks bright.
I’m not sure if the Panthers will keep more than one of the group that consists of Michael Barrett, Chandler Wooten, Claudin Cherelus, and Tae Davis. Barrett, a seventh-round pick, will have to distinguish himself from a pack of more experienced special teams standouts. As of now, it looks as though Cherelus has the advantage, but there is still time for this situation to change.
Ultimately, the Panthers' inside linebacker group will need to prove their worth during these intense last days of training camp. While Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell will lead the unit, the young talent behind them could play a significant role in shaping the future of Carolina’s defense. It remains to be seen whether GM Dan Morgan will look to add to this unit as the rest of the NFL begins to make cuts to their rosters.
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