The Carolina Panthers are being pleasantly surprised out of a position where they need it most.
Each of ESPN’s 32 NFL Nation reporters recently picked a surprise offseason standout—one, of course, for every team. For the Panthers, David Newton went with outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr., who could bring the much-needed heat with their two-time Pro Bowler.
Newton writes:
Nobody stood out more in Carolina’s quest to find an edge rusher opposite Brian Burns than the sixth-year player. He constantly was in the face of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who said Haynes has “been great.” Carolina still likely will add a veteran edge rusher, but what Haynes has shown coming off a season in which he had a career-high five sacks has to make coach Frank Reich & Co. more comfortable.
That career year—which also saw bests in total tackles (29), quarterback hits (13) and passes defensed (four)—may be short lived, as Haynes Sr. is a prime candidate to break out in the team’s fresh 3-4 base defense. His 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame and array of speed moves should serve him better as a standup rusher than as a traditional hand-in-the-dirt edge defender.
And if the Panthers don’t end up adding that veteran, it’ll be up to Haynes Sr.—as well as Yetur Gross-Matos and rookie DJ Johnson—to stand out as a complement to Burns.
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Recap
Marquis Haynes Sr., Panthers OLB, Shines as Unexpected Standout during Offseason
The Carolina Panthers are pleasantly surprised by the performance of outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr. in their quest for an edge rusher. Haynes has been consistently impressive during offseason workouts and has received praise from rookie quarterback Bryce Young. With a career-high five sacks last season, Haynes is expected to excel in the team’s new 3-4 base defense. While the Panthers may still add a veteran edge rusher, Haynes, along with Yetur Gross-Matos and rookie DJ Johnson, will have the opportunity to shine as a complement to Brian Burns.
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