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 11 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 8 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.

[Icege]

Curious to see how Evero adjusts his scheme given the shallow CB room.

Does he stick with rotating from two-high to single-high looks more than any DC in the league again, leaning heavily on Cover-3?

Or does he shift back toward more Cover-4 with the occasional LB blitz mixed in?

Only three months until we find out…

[frankw]

We couldn't fix everything in a single offseason and trying so in the past has gotten is into even worse circumstances. There's also the reality that while we are optimistic right now it's unlikely we will be competing for much this season. Next season we can further build on this roster and improve areas of need and hopefully be ready to make a legitimate playoff push.

[Jay Roosevelt]

I feel like we have some depth; we just need that proven nickel. Mike Jackson is a decent #2, but ideally we'd have a proven veteran in the slot.

Smith-Wade might be able to fill that role, but he's far from a sure thing.

[Basbear]

People forgot that the think tank thought enough of smith-wade, to cut the vet starter troy hill mid-season. Just happened smith just injuried soon after. 

Personally I see no issues/PRESS THE PANIC BUTTON!!!1!1!! to take this group into TC. Of course Id love to have 5 all-pros at CB too, but this is the real world. Cuts and even trades happen once teams are going though the TC process. Just pray for health, like all other groups....