CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Many faces return for the Carolina Panthers defense, but some new cats could play a big role in making that unit one of the best in the NFL this season.

  • Eric Washington is the new Defensive Coordinator, replacing Steve Wilks, who left for Arizona to become the Cardinals Head Coach
  • Now in the mix, safety Da'Norris Searcy, cornerback Ross Cockrell, and draft picks Donte Jackson and Rashaan Gaulden
  • The Panthers will practice once more on Thursday to wrap up minicamp

For starters, Eric Washington is the new Defensive Coordinator, replacing Steve Wilks, who left for Arizona to become the Cardinals Head Coach.  Washington's style is being embraced by his defenders.

It's in the secondary where the new guys will likely be most noticed.  Gone are the likes of safety Kurt Coleman and Daryl Worley.  Now in the mix, safety Da'Norris Searcy, cornerback Ross Cockrell, and draft picks Donte Jackson and Rashaan Gaulden.  The blending process has already begun.

"They're fitting in very well," said cornerback James Bradberry.  "We've got Ross Cockrell who is a very physical guy.  And then Lorenzo Doss...he's been making a lot of plays on the ball, and that's what we want to do. Da'Norris Searcy is an intelligent guy, so he brings a lot of knowledge to the defense."

The Panthers will practice once more on Thursday to wrap up minicamp.  The team will next be on the field at the start of training camp in late July.

 

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