After giving up an average of 29+ points per game in the worst defensive season in franchise history, the Panthers are essentially starting over on defense. After selecting a defensive tackle and EDGE in the first two rounds, the Panthers traded up and selected safety Jeremy Chinn out of Southern Illinois. At 6’3, 221 pounds, Chinn has been described as a safety/linebacker hybrid with excellent deep coverage skills – something desperately needed in Carolina.
Trading with Seattle to close out the second round, general manager Marty Hurney said that they felt Chinn was too great of a player to take the risk of him not being available at the Panthers’ original pick at #69. Chinn was a two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honoree and was a consensus All-American in 2019 with versatility that could find him competing for a starting job.
During his time with the Salukis, Chinn recorded 243 total tackles, 13 interceptions, 31 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. To snag Chinn at #64, the Panthers had to give up their third (#69) and fifth (#148) picks.
