Carolina Panthers veteran praises fast-learning rookie
The Carolina Panthers need someone in their cornerback room to step in. Dane Jackson’s hamstring injury was a major blow to the team. Add to that the fact that the ever-improving Lamar Jackson was released due to injury, and that has further decimated an already fragile team just a few weeks before its season opener at the New Orleans Saints.
Bad luck for some means opportunity for others this time of year. Ejiro Evero must be excited to see some cornerbacks lower down the order making their presence felt. Players like D’Shawn Jamison and Dicaprio Bootle have made waves this summer. Chau Smith-Wade’s smooth transition hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
Smith-Wade doesn’t look overwhelmed despite being a new class. The Panthers added another talent to him by using him on the perimeter in the second week of the preseason against the New York Jets, leading to another encouraging performance from the rookie under difficult circumstances.
This is in line with Smith-Wade’s approach to all the obstacles the Panthers threw at him during his initial integration. His veteran teammate Troy Hill also praised the project, believing the first-year pro is well ahead of schedule based on comments on the team’s website.
“I think the way he’s played outside is going to benefit him a lot. That’s going to help him be able to do both because it’s going to help him understand the different routes and the defense and how it’s supposed to work. I think it’s great for him that he’s getting it so quickly. He’s really like a student of the game and you can tell he takes it seriously. I think that’s great, especially for someone his age, right? He’s getting the concept so quickly and things like that. With a lot of other players, you don’t really see that at his early stage. So he’s probably a little further along. I feel like he’s a little more comfortable in there.”
– Troy Hill via Panthers.com
This outpouring of support should boost Smith-Wade’s confidence significantly. When he joined the Panthers, there were doubts about his size and whether he could handle the added physicality of the NFL. There are still a few competitive games to go, but so far, all signs are pointing in the right direction.
Smith-Wade has an opportunity. The Panthers have star Jaycee Horn as their only proven player on the wing, but it’s important to remember that they recently signed Mike Jackson, who could start immediately if the transition goes smoothly.
Rookies at cornerback tend to struggle more than most. Even first-rounders need time to adjust. Smith-Wade has his hands full, so maintaining that positive trend once things get going is the main goal.
Much will depend on which cornerbacks Dan Morgan targets off the waiver list. The general manager is still looking despite signing Jackson – he made an offer to Stephon Gilmore before he signed with the Minnesota Vikings. But Smith-Wade is a quick learner and is already familiar with Evero’s demands. That’s a big advantage for him.
It’s a gamble. But the Panthers won’t hesitate to throw Smith-Wade in the deep end if they believe he’s ready. What comes after that depends on the player.
