Keenan Isaac The Carolina Panthers have wasted no time making waves with their latest roster moves, as GM Dan Morgan and the front office have stuck to their plan of overhauling the cornerback position. Following the initial 53-man roster release, the Panthers have made a splash by adding five new cornerbacks, signaling a major shift in their defensive strategy.
A Bold Strategy
Cornerback has been a persistent question mark for the Panthers since the start of the offseason. With their first opportunity to make adjustments, the Panthers claimed six players off waivers, three of whom play in the secondary. Among these additions, Shemar Bartholomew has garnered the most attention. His impressive performance during training camp, despite being undrafted, caught the eye of four different NFL teams, highlighting his standout potential.
At 6’1″ and 200 lbs, Bartholomew is a ballhawk who made a significant impact during his college career at Georgia Southern. He amassed 34 pass deflections and 10 interceptions, finishing ninth in the nation in pass break-ups last season. Known for his physical play, Bartholomew has primarily been an outside corner, often aligning in press coverage close to the line of scrimmage. His 36-inch vertical leap and 4.45 speed were particularly impressive during the Jets’ camp, where he demonstrated exceptional coverage skills and hands.
Bartholomew allowed zero receiving yards on nine targets during the preseason, forcing one incompletion and boasting a 39.6 passer rating against him. Pro Football Focus (PFF) awarded him an overall preseason grade of 87, with both his run defense (82.5) and coverage (85.2) grades reflecting above-average performance. Wearing number 27, Bartholomew is eager to contribute to the Panthers’ defense. “Physical, can run, you know, love to ball. I’m just happy to be here,” he said of his game.
Adding Depth and Experience
The Panthers also added Keenan Isaac, a long and athletic cornerback at 6’3″, who flashed potential with the Buccaneers during the preseason. Isaac received a strong PFF grade of 85.9, further strengthening the Panthers’ cornerback room. Tariq Castro-Fields, another addition, stands at 6’1″ and was a sixth-round pick from Penn State. He brings versatility with experience on special teams and earned a PFF grade of 75.5.
In addition to these younger talents, the Panthers have added veteran Lonnie Johnson Jr. to the practice squad following his release from the Texans. Johnson, who received a PFF grade of 75, brings a seasoned perspective to the cornerback corps. The Panthers also executed a trade to acquire Mike Jackson from Seattle, who holds a PFF grade of 70.5.
Evaluating the Changes
The influx of new talent marks a significant shift in the Panthers’ cornerback strategy. While Lamar Jackson has shown promise with a PFF grade of 79.1 after stepping up following Dane Jackson’s injury, the recent moves reflect a need for more length, athleticism, and depth in the secondary. The cornerback room is now notably more physical, which could prove advantageous as the season progresses.
The question remains whether Bartholomew and his new teammates will make an immediate impact. However, by enhancing their secondary with players who bring a mix of youth, athleticism, and experience, the Panthers are positioning themselves for a stronger defensive performance. Only time will tell how these additions will shape the team’s fortunes, but one thing is certain: the Panthers are committed to building a formidable, well-balanced defense.