Canales Addresses CB position

[MHS831]

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/06/04/panthers-2025-otas-dave-canales-cornerback-free-agency/84016482007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6840193aa1ae9c000185ac12

I have been curious about the position, wondering if Jackson, Horn, and Smith-Wade were going to be enough. The reporter asks a good question, especially in light of all the Jalen Ramsey rumors.  To me, the big questions concerned depth players Evans and Bartholomew.  As for the UDFA, I have been waiting to hear about Thornton and Reid, but there does not seem to have been a lot of urgency to draft a CB or bring in a free agent.  Morgan basically re-signed Jackson and locked up Horn.  A few highlights from the article:

Canales mentioned Evans, Bartholomew, and Thornton by name.  He seems satisfied that Evans and Bartholomew are the key reserves.  Thornton, based on reading tea leaves about his comments, has flashed, but might be on the outside looking in.  Personally, in the limited action Evans and Bartholomew played last season, I was optimistic, and it seems Canales feels the same.

He mentions that Smith-Wade is playing inside and outside.  If he steps up, that is good news. 

It seems as though they really like Jackson because Canales seemed to focus on CB depth in his answer.  Coaches have to be careful answering questions like this one--If the coach mentions your name, great, but if he does not, it hurts morale.  If he says, "We'd like to upgrade the position" it can also hinder motivation.  

Canales did not mention SDSU CB Mike Reid.

IN RELATED NEWS

I recently read that the Canales likes the battle between Ransom and Richardson for the other safety position beside Moehrig.  Not sure we will be upgrading that position at this time.

Remember, the DBs play better when the front 7 plays better.

PROJECTED DB ROSTER ENTERING CAMP

CB: Horn, Jackson, Smith-Wade, Bartholomew, Evans--Practice Squad Candidates:  Thornton, Reid

S: Moehrig, Ransom, Richardson, xxxxxx- I expect Henderson, Gifford, or Thomas (all UDFAs) will battle Scott for the final safety position.

 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by MHS831

[kungfoodude]

I mean, we are gonna stink at some positions. We have a bad roster, so you just have to expect that on a cellar dwelling team. The hope is that it's a net improvement over last season. If we accomplish that, I am good.

I don't want to see Rhule era panic and more outgoing draft capital in another foolish "a couple of pieces away" campaign. 

[Khyber53]

Sometimes you've got to make do with what's in the cupboard. Improvements on D-line can go a long way to helping out those DBs and Safeties. 

 

[shaq]

Our DB room this year is essentially our Dline room from last year. We have zero depth and a bunch of jags. If Horn goes down in the same fashion Brown did last year. Then it’s gonna be another tough defensive season. On the bright side on paper we actually have a really strong offense. I’m expecting some shootouts this year, this isn’t your typical stout defensive and ground and pound offensive Panthers team we’re all accustomed to.

Edited 3 hours ago by shaq

[MHS831]

I think Ransom will be a solid player for us.  He played beside Caleb Downs, the cornerstone of the Ohio State defense last year and some have him as a top 5 pick for the 2026 draft.  He was characterized as the smart, instinctive, versatile safety.  

I just don't think S will be a liability unless we have injuries.  I am very interested in seeing what they have in the three UDFA safeties; I see one making the roster.

As for CB, I think they are higher on Wade-Smith than most of us are. Again, depth is a concern.  We have to hope Jackson has another solid season and Horn does not injure his leg or toe on one of the yard lines.  

I am not sure I would compare it to last season's DL because this year's DL will cover a lot of deficiencies, but I know what you mean---our weak link.