who can make plays both in coverage and in run support.
Jaycee Horn, who remains one of the rising stars at cornerback, will benefit from having Bell’s leadership in the secondary. Horn has shown the ability to cover top-tier receivers, but last season, he struggled at times when faced with dynamic route runners and multi-faceted passing games. Bell’s presence should help mitigate some of the mismatches Horn faced.
In addition to Bell, the Panthers also drafted a cornerback in the mid-rounds who has a high ceiling and could become a valuable rotational player early in his career. His ability to cover faster, shiftier wide receivers gives the Panthers even more depth and flexibility.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, it’s clear that the Panthers have made tangible improvements on defense. They’ve addressed their biggest weaknesses by adding depth to the pass rush, solidifying their secondary, and bringing in a new defensive scheme. The defense now has the potential to be not only better than it was in 2023 but to become a top-tier unit in the NFC.
- Pass Rush: With Burns, the new additions to the defensive line, and the changes in the front seven, the Panthers should be much more effective at generating pressure. More sacks and forced turnovers should follow.
- Pass Coverage: With Bell and Horn leading the secondary, and the addition of new cornerback talent, the Panthers are poised to be much more effective in pass coverage. They’ll be better equipped to handle high-powered passing attacks.
- Linebacking Corps: The new linebacker addition should provide more speed and coverage ability in the middle of the defense, which was a glaring weakness in 2023. Their ability to cover running backs and tight ends out of the backfield will significantly improve the defense’s ability to neutralize offensive schemes.
As NFL analysts have noted, the Panthers’ defense is almost certainly improved after this offseason. By upgrading key areas like the pass rush, secondary coverage, and overall depth, the Panthers have positioned themselves for a much more competitive 2024 season. With new players, fresh leadership, and an evolving defensive scheme, this is a unit on the rise. If the pieces fall into place, the Panthers could emerge as one of the top defensive teams in the NFC, giving them the foundation for a long-term playoff contender.