Carolina Panthers: Three Position Battles to Watch in Preseason
Starting Nickel Cornerback
The safety position started as team’s biggest position battle on defense. The addition of safety Tre Boston to a one-year deal certainly changed the equation in the Panthers secondary. Boston likely slides into the starting safety spot next to Eric Reid. With the Panthers playing more 3-4 this season, the team will rely more on the nickel cornerback position.
Rashaan Gaulden, who was a major factor in the safety battle, will now become a candidate to start at nickel cornerback. His competition will be fierce, as Javien Elliott and Corn Elder will both be vying for the position.
With Gaulden dealing with back tightness this week, expect the other three corners to get a hefty amount of playing time as the battle intensifies.
Elliott has made quite the impression at camp, intercepting balls on two straight days and showcasing elite technique at the position. Elliott was signed in the offseason after spending three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing in 36 games and making one interception.
Elder was a fifth-round pick in 2017 by the Panthers and will also rotate in and be depth to the outside corners as well.
Cole Luke spent the entire 2018 on the Panthers practice squad and is expected to compete for the position as well. The 24-year old out of Notre Dame provides at the very least good depth at the position.