The Carolina Panthers are in a solid position at cornerback with Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn leading the charge. Alongside him, Chau Smith-Wade shows promise as a nickel corner, while Mike Jackson is quietly effective on the right side. Despite this strength, the team is projected to still target cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Jalon Walker from Georgia being a notable candidate at the eighth overall pick. Tony Pauline's mock draft highlights the Panthers' interest in Michigan's Will Johnson, who is considered the second-best corner in the class. Johnson's impressive stats, including nine interceptions in 32 games, mark him as a top prospect, with the ability to excel in various defensive roles.

Should the Panthers miss out on Johnson, other intriguing options like Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina and Trey Amos from Ole Miss are also on their radar. The team's strategy reflects a keen awareness that depth at cornerback remains crucial in today's NFL, where offensive threats are ever-evolving.

The Carolina Panthers have officially recorded the worst defensive performance in NFL history, conceding 38 points to the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the desperate need for improvement across their defense, a complete overhaul is not the solution. The Panthers have some strong players, particularly in edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum, alongside defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Josey Jewell. The secondary, particularly the cornerback position, shows promise with standout Jaycee Horn and reliable Mike Jackson.

With their defense struggling, the Panthers are now looking towards the 2025 NFL draft to strengthen their cornerback options. A recent mock draft suggests they will select Will Johnson from Michigan with the eighth overall pick. Johnson's impressive college stats, including only two touchdowns allowed and nine interceptions, make him a valuable addition. As the Panthers move forward, enhancing their defensive lineup remains critical.

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their final game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons, with pride and performance on the line. Head coach Dave Canales has confirmed that Bryce Young will start as quarterback, while other lineup changes remain unannounced. The Panthers are expected to evaluate their roster, particularly in the cornerback position, where they have limited long-term options.

Rookie nickel Chau Smith-Wade is the only cornerback under contract beyond this season, while Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn are in line for extensions. The Panthers may consider giving playing time to Akayleb Evans, a second-round draft pick from the Minnesota Vikings, who has yet to see significant action since joining Carolina. This game presents an opportunity for the team to assess Evans' potential and make informed decisions heading into the offseason.

The Carolina Panthers find themselves in a unique position to disrupt the NFC South as they prepare to face their final two opponents, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and another rival, with playoff implications at stake. Currently eliminated from postseason contention, the Panthers have the opportunity to play spoiler, particularly against the Buccaneers, whom they lost to in a recent overtime game. To achieve this, maintaining a healthy roster is crucial, especially given the number of players dealing with injuries.

As of Thursday's practice, several key players were absent or limited. Notable absentees included right tackle Taylor Moton, cornerbacks Chau Smith-Wade and Jaycee Horn, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, linebacker Josey Jewell, guard Damien Lewis, and outside linebacker Cam Gill. Meanwhile, other players like wide receivers Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen, tight end Tommy Tremble, and several others participated in limited capacities due to various injuries. However, quarterback Bryce Young, center Cade Mays, and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu were full participants, which bodes well for the Panthers' offensive line.

While none of the injured players have been designated as out for the upcoming game against Tampa Bay, their statuses will be closely monitored leading up to kickoff. This matchup is critical not only for the Buccaneers' playoff hopes but also gives the Panthers a chance to showcase their resilience and depth, even in a season that has not gone as planned.

The NFL sees a universal injury rate among its players, and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is no exception, appearing on the injury report for the first time this season due to a hamstring issue. Fortunately, he participated fully in practice, indicating he may not miss any game time.

While the exact moment he sustained the injury is unclear, it likely occurred during a notable run against the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers will conduct a regular practice soon, where updates on Young's condition will be provided by head coach Dave Canales.