Number on the Roster: 5

Probable Starters: Ken Lucas, Chris Gamble

Last season the cornerback position for Carolina was average at best. Neither Ken Lucas nor Chris Gamble really played up to their abilities with a total of 3 interceptions between them (they had 9 in 2006). Yes injuries did factor into some of their play, but still, you’ve got to be able to step up and make plays as a pro, even when you are hurt. Now I’m not totally ripping on them, really the lack of performance on the offensive side of the ball did leave the defense out on the field way to much, and because the defense was out there for so long, it did begin to wear down (which again goes to show you how much the running game and time of possession really means to the whole team and why John Fox sees the running game as sort of the penicillin cure-all for a football team.) Anyway, though there were a few issues last season, the Panthers still have solid depth at cornerback, and should have an open competition come training camp.

Personally I have never really been a huge fan of Chris Gamble, mainly due to that horrible punt return-pass he tried to pull off in 2006 that cost them the game (even though it was really John Fox’s fault for calling the play), but still he is a good player. I can’t make a case for him being a phenomenal playmaker on defense because really he isn’t, but he has shown that he does make smart, aggressive plays and can get the job done. Also, Carolina picked up Ricardo Colclough from the Browns in the offseason, adding some depth to the position as well. With this addition Carolina will have three possible starters, and very good depth behind them.

The man that I am really excited about is Richard Marshal, third year man out of Fresno State. I personally think that the time has come for Marshal to replace either Gamble or Lucas, and I am a little surprised that Carolina did not cut Ken Lucas at the beginning of the offseason to clear up cap space. Marshal had three interceptions last year, and yes I know that isn’t a whole lot, but Marshal only started half of the games that Lucas and Gamble did, which means that he was able to pile up more interceptions than either starter at the cornerback position last year, with half the playing time. What this means is that even if Marshal doesn’t get a starting job next season, he will still see a lot of work with the nickel defense. Because Carolina does have three viable starters at the position it is most likely that they are going to play a lot of nickel, and with the talent at that position I do believe Carolina should have a very productive season next year, and will be able to match up well against pass heavy teams such as the Saints or the Eagles.

Overall position Grade: B

Tags: carolina panthers, Cornerback, Position Analysis