Carolina Panthers interim head coach Perry Fewell made a notable change on defense last week, starting Ross Cockrell opposite James Bradberry rather than Donte Jackson. Jackson has had issues in coverage all season and didn’t help his case by criticizing Fewell’s defensive play-calling a couple weeks ago, so benching him is an understandable decision.
As he has all season, Cockrell did well for himself against the Colts. He played every defensive snap (64) and posted a team-high 10 tackles. This week, Fewell says Cockrell will start over Jackson again, but he won’t get every rep, according to Joe Person at the Athletic.
Fewell says Ross Cockrell will start again at CB, but Donte Jackson should get some reps. (He played zero on defense last week.)
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 26, 2019
Cockrell missed the entire 2018 season due to a serious leg injury. He’s bounced back well though and should be considered for an extension.
Even if Cockrell does come back and Bradberry also re-signs, the Panthers could still use more depth at corner. In a new mock at Draft Wire, they take Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah at No. 8 overall.
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