Panthers' new ILB Devin Lloyd masking positional concerns

panthers/news/panthers-ilb-devin-lloyd-masking-positional-concerns/1b5dceca4778f61b6c8d3c4f?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=appeared_on">Panthers’ new ILB Devin Lloyd masking positional concerns originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan had more than one opportunity to draft a top inside linebacker prospect, but elected to focus on other positions, different needs.

With free agent Devin Lloyd replacing Christian Rozeboom, Morgan remained confident with the upgrade. An All-Pro with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd is expected to play a three-down role, utilizing his rush skills in various blitz packages. And possibly execute another 99-yard pick-six. 

Trevin Wallace, who is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury, is projected to start alongside Lloyd in the 3-4 base alignment. Wallace donned a non-contact jersey during Tuesday’s offseason-training activities (OTAs) practice.

Wallace has appeared in 25 games, including 20 starts, and amassed 125 tackles, 2.0 sacks and four passes defended, but lingering long-term questions surround the 2024 third-round draft pick.

Who’s behind Lloyd and Wallace?

Do the Panthers want to find out?

Panthers need ILB Devin Lloyd to remain healthy

With Lloyd, the Panthers project to field a playmaker who can patrol the middle of the field in pass coverage and provide extra pass-rush opportunities.

Without Lloyd, the lack of positional depth could expose Morgan’s main offseason shortcoming.

Morgan did gamble by drafting Miami (Ohio)’s Jackson Kuwatch in the seventh round, but while his measurables and athleticism remain intriguing, the 6-foot-4, 232-pounder is expected to focus primarily on special teams.

Claudin Cherelus remains on the 91-man offseason roster. The 2023 undrafted free agent appeared in 33 games and collected 54 tackles (26 solo).

Bam Martin-Scott flashed on special teams last season, but has yet to prove his rotational value. With Wallace limited, the former South Carolina standout could have an opportunity to earn the LB3/4 role.

Jared Bartlett, Mapalo Mwansa and Maema Njongmeta are also listed on the 91-man offseason roster.

To defend their NFC South championship, the Panthers will need strong inside linebacking play. With Lloyd, they expect to possess it.

Without Lloyd?

More NFL news: