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They say that quarterback is the most difficult position to play in the NFL. While it comes with more responsibility and is undeniably challenging from a mental standpoint, there is another position that should be in the conversation.
Given the increase in pass-heavy attacks and the evolution of the game's pass catchers, cornerback might actually be the hardest spot to play in the modern game. And unlike quarterbacks, the fantasy-friendly rules are mostly set against them.
Luckily for the Carolina Panthers, they may be well set at corner. Their front office seems to understand the importance of the position, and has done an excellent job of building up this unit.
Heading into the 2026 season, Bleacher Report has named cornerback as the Panthers biggest roster strength. Analyst Kristopher Knox writes:
They are lacking in proven depth, but there are at least a couple of promising options behind Carolina's starting trio.
In the slot, last year's undrafted darling Corey Thornton showed a lot of promise before he suffered a season-ending fibula break in November. In the fourth round of the 2026 draft, the Panthers grabbed former Texas A&M standout Will Lee III—who should be the primary backup behind both Horn and Jackson on the outside.
The best addition the Panthers have made here in recent years was the trade to acquire Jackson, which was arguably general manager Dan Morgan's slickest move to date. Morgan was able to reel in a high-end No. 2 corner in exchange for a seventh-round inside linebacker whose most recent gig came in the United Football League.
Last season, Jackson earned an 80.9 grade in coverage from Pro Football Focus—which was the third-highest at his position. He also led the NFL with 19 pass breakups.
With a cap number of just $7.8 million this year, Jackson is arguably the best bargain in the NFL among cornerbacks. If he puts in another strong year in 2026, he might be in line for a big extension.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' greatest roster strength a credit to team-building strategy
Continue reading...
Given the increase in pass-heavy attacks and the evolution of the game's pass catchers, cornerback might actually be the hardest spot to play in the modern game. And unlike quarterbacks, the fantasy-friendly rules are mostly set against them.
Luckily for the Carolina Panthers, they may be well set at corner. Their front office seems to understand the importance of the position, and has done an excellent job of building up this unit.
Heading into the 2026 season, Bleacher Report has named cornerback as the Panthers biggest roster strength. Analyst Kristopher Knox writes:
They are lacking in proven depth, but there are at least a couple of promising options behind Carolina's starting trio.
In the slot, last year's undrafted darling Corey Thornton showed a lot of promise before he suffered a season-ending fibula break in November. In the fourth round of the 2026 draft, the Panthers grabbed former Texas A&M standout Will Lee III—who should be the primary backup behind both Horn and Jackson on the outside.
The best addition the Panthers have made here in recent years was the trade to acquire Jackson, which was arguably general manager Dan Morgan's slickest move to date. Morgan was able to reel in a high-end No. 2 corner in exchange for a seventh-round inside linebacker whose most recent gig came in the United Football League.
Last season, Jackson earned an 80.9 grade in coverage from Pro Football Focus—which was the third-highest at his position. He also led the NFL with 19 pass breakups.
With a cap number of just $7.8 million this year, Jackson is arguably the best bargain in the NFL among cornerbacks. If he puts in another strong year in 2026, he might be in line for a big extension.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' greatest roster strength a credit to team-building strategy
Continue reading...
