Tag: Chau Smith-Wade

Former Panthers CB signs onto NFC South rival’s active roster

Former Panthers CB Troy Hill has earned himself a spot on the Buccaneers’ active roster.

It didn’t take cornerback Troy Hill long to find a new home after he was released by the Carolina Panthers last month. Heck, he didn’t even have to go to another division.

And now, he’s getting a bit comfier in his new digs.

As announced on Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have promoted Hill to their active roster. The move comes 19 days after the NFC South rivals signed the 10th-year veteran to their practice squad.

The Panthers parted ways with Hill prior to their Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders. That decision closed the book on a two-year run for Hill in Carolina—where he recorded 80 combined tackles, an interception, seven passes defensed and a forced fumble over 22 games.

Hill, to that point, had been the Panthers’ primary nickel corner. Those duties were then reassigned to 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade, who struggled in the role.

Veteran Dane Jackson has seemingly taken over the spot recently, as he tallied a team-high 35 snaps from the slot in the Week 10 victory over the New York Giants.

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Report: Panthers releasing veteran CB ahead of Week 7 game vs. Commanders

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are releasing CB Troy Hill.

The Carolina Panthers defense is continuing to go through changes.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the team plans to release cornerback Troy Hill. The report comes just two days before kickoff of the Panthers’ Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Hill is currently in his 10th NFL campaign. He’s spent two of those in Carolina—where he’s amassed 80 combined tackles, an interception, six passes defensed and a forced fumble over 22 games.

The 33-year-old has been the defense’s primary nickel defender during the 2024 season. Hill has recorded 202 snaps from the slot position over six outings.

His impending departure could allow more playing time for rookie Chau Smith-Wade, the only other Panthers cornerback to line up at nickel this year. Smith-Wade was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft.

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3 bold predictions for the 2024 Panthers

Join us as we make three bold predictions for the Panthers’ 2024 season.

This weekend marks the debut of the Carolina Panthers under first-year head coach Dave Canales and his reimagined roster. Many new pieces were added this season as the team works to build around its potential franchise quarterback, Bryce Young.

And with the team about to kick off their campaign in New Orleans on Sunday, maybe it’s time for some bold predictions!

So whether you think these forecasts are within reasonable range or just plain ol’ crazy, let’s have some fun . . .

Jadeveon Clowney sets new career-high in sacks

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Never, in a decade’s worth of play in the NFL, has this hometown hero tallied more than 9.5 sacks in a single season. He reached that mark twice—first with the Houston Texans in 2017, and then with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

This year, Clowney joins the Panthers looking to help them to their first playoff berth in seven years. He’s known for being one of the best edge-setting defenders in the league while being an adequate pass rusher for most of his career.

However, the 2014 No. 1 overall selection has never lived up to the expectations he was given coming into the league as a true pass rusher. This year, that changes.

Clowney had one of the most dominant summers of any Panthers defender over the last few years and looks primed for a big campaign. I believe he is aging like fine wine and is getting better as the years add up.

This year, Clowney gets 10.5 sacks for a defense that is desperate for pass-rush production.

Four rookies start by Week 18

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

This prediction is already off to a great start.

The Panthers announced on Friday that incumbent starters Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) and Ian Thomas (calf) would be out Week 1—paving the way for fourth-round tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders to start in his first career game. Canales said Friday that Sanders has already been working with the first-team offense, which could give him an advantage down the stretch.

First-round wide receiver Xavier Legette, second-round running back Jonathon Brooks, third-round linebacker Trevin Wallace, Sanders and fifth-round cornerback Chau Smith-Wade are candidates to receive plenty of snaps as the season goes along. There is a strong chance that four of these five draft choices are starting by the end of the year, especially with general manager Dan Morgan looking for some “dawgs” to move forward with.

If I were to choose the players that are starting for Carolina as rookies by the end of the season, my picks are Legette at the outside Z, Brooks in the backfield, Sanders becoming Young’s go-to security blanket and Smith-Wade at the nickel.

Given the roles of veteran linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell, I don’t see Wallace as an established starter by Week 18. It’s hard to imagine he unseats either of them in 2024.

Panthers finish top-10 in rushing yards

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Canales is a coach who will want to run the football, and even stressed it himself. This is a unit that is likely to be a run-first offense that opens up the passing game for Young and his group of playmakers.

This spells good news for Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Brooks—once he returns to the field. All three bring a different aspect to the Panthers’ ground game that will force defenses to adjust accordingly.

Hubbard is a one-cut, downhill runner who will add a second effort to get that one extra yard when being tackled. Despite his inconsistencies and struggles last season, Sanders will add value as a change-of-pace back who possesses a receiving skill set and slashing play style. Brooks is the most explosive of the three, adding a third-down ability in pass protection and as a receiver.

This trio will be the reason why the Panthers break the 2,000-yard mark as a team, thanks to their efforts and Canales’ likely stubbornness toward the run game.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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Reviewing film for the Panthers’ top performers from preseason game vs. Jets

Before we jump into the Panthers’ preseason finale on Saturday, let’s hit the film for some standouts from last week’s outing.

The Carolina Panthers fell short to the New York Jets in their second preseason game last Saturday—where the team’s starters were, once again, held out of action. So, this left even more meaningful playing time to those whose jobs aren’t exactly secure.

Unfortunately, some of the players who took advantage of their opportunities are no longer on the roster—most notably running back Dillon Johnson and cornerback Lamar Jackson. But after taking a deep dive into the All-22 film from the contest, we still have three standouts to highlight . . .

LG Jack Anderson

Anderson has already made quite a few stops since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2021. Carolina, who reeled in the Texas Tech product on Aug. 11 to counter the injuries along their offensive line, became his sixth.

I came away not only thoroughly impressed, but also surprised by how seamlessly he played against the Jets’ second-team defensive line—which featured a couple of players who could’ve been starters elsewhere.

Anderson did some good work on duo blocks, creating creases for Johnson and fellow running back Mike Boone. He displayed the mobility to work effortlessly to the second level, and impressed with his movement skills and flexibility—which allowed him to wash out looping pass rushers. 

The 6-foot-4, 313-pounder did a nice job of getting his pads low and winning with leverage. He was looking for extra defenders to block or help his fellow linemen with and put multiple defenders in the ground.

While he isn’t a lock for the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster, Anderson could make for a solid depth piece or practice squad player in another opportunity.

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Sanders, who has continued to grow into the chances he’s received due to injuries at his position, was one of a few rookie standouts on the night.

It wasn’t long ago that the former Texas Longhorn was the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart. With Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble banged up, that allowed the team’s fourth-round selection to get his time in the spotlight.

There was a concern that the rookie would need to allocate some time as a big slot as he developed his in-line skill set. Instead, Sanders seems quite comfortable as an in-line Y and blocker.

He’s displaying more effort and willingness to stay attached to blocks. This allowed for some decent yardage for Boone and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo at times. Early in the game—off a play-action bootleg—Sanders ran a flat route to the boundary, catching it in stride and lowering his shoulder to bulldoze a would-be tackler. 

With Thomas still dealing with an injury and Tremble having another potential hamstring issue after practice on Thursday, Sanders could be in line to have not only significant playing time in Week 1, but make his first career start in the NFL.

LB Trevin Wallace

A raw linebacker out of Kentucky, Wallace was arguably the most questionable selection by Carolina in the 2024 draft. And that rawness still shows, as he must continue to work on not overthinking each play and moving with the flow of the game.

But Wallace put on a show that made Panthers fans giddy for the future of the middle of their defense.

The former All-SEC defender displayed the sideline-to-sideline range and elite athletic ability that intrigued general manager Dan Morgan. Wallace brings a good amount of pop at the tackle point while flashing consistent technique as a tackler.

Remember how vicious Luke Kuechly’s tackles were? There were some shades of that, as Wallace sifted through traffic well while displaying good run fits and tackles in space.

Other standouts

  • Rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade was impressive with his reps at outside corner and at the nickel. He displayed good effort and willingness to come downhill in run support. There were also instances of him upending ball carriers. Don’t be surprised if he’s in line to start Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints at nickel.
  • Smith-Wade’s teammate, second-year defensive back Jammie Robinson, had an outstanding game against the Jets. He showed physicality in the run game, making physical tackles in the open field while being a great run support and defender in coverage. 
  • Outside linebacker D.J. Johnson and interior defensive lineman T.J. Smith were two performers that stood out to me as well, especially in the first half. I appreciated Johnson’s effort and ability to seal off the backside of inside or outside zone runs. The Panthers’ 2023 third-round selection made some good plays against the run. Smith continued his strong preseason with great effort and his second sack in as many weeks. He has become a top candidate for the practice squad heading into the final game of the preseason.

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Panthers clear 2 rookies from active/PUP list ahead of training camp

The Panthers cleared a pair of rookies from the shelf on Tuesday.

The summer shelf got a little lighter for the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.

As announced this afternoon, wide receiver Jalen Coker and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade have been cleared from the active/physically unable to perform list. Both rookies, along with four others, were placed on the list by the Panthers this past weekend.

Given Carolina’s lack of depth at the cornerback position, Smith-Wade could have an opportunity to make an immediate impact. Head coach Dave Canales spoke about his team’s fifth-round pick during organized team activities in May.

“He’s a worker,” Canales said. “The guys that we drafted, these guys are hard workers and tough football players. And that’s what we tried to do—is profile those type of guys that fit what we’re doing. He fits right in with the group.

“He’s active, he’s always workin’ on stuff, JUGS after practice and I just love his focus. He’s got a great smile, but then you see, like, he’s just locked in. And he’s really interested in what’s happening everywhere.”

Players who remain on the active/PUP list include wideout Cam Sims, offensive tackle Yosh Nijman and outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Amaré Barno. Fellow rookie and second-round running back Jonathon Brooks also has yet to be cleared from the active/non-football injury list.

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Panthers place 5th-round rookie on PUP list to start training camp

Chau Smith-Wade was the Panthers fifth-round pick.

According to NFL reporter Mike Kaye, the Carolina Panthers placed rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade on the PUP list at the start of training camp. The team also placed veteran wide receiver Cam Sims on the pup as well.

The Panthers selected the former Washington State star in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Most NFL draft writers and pundits considered Smith-Wade a bargain pick.

There’s been no official word on the nature of his injury or the severity of Smith-Wade’s injury. The Panthers traded away starting cornerback Donte Jackson at the start of free agency so the addition of Smith-Wade could be important for depth, especially as a nickel cornerback.

Here are all of the Panthers 2024 NFL draft picks:

First round – WR Xavier Legette

Second round –  RB Jonathon Brooks

Third round – LB Trevin Wallace

Fourth round – TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Fifth round – CB Chau Smith-Wade

Sixth round – DT Jaden Crumedy

Seventh round –  LB Michael Barrett

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Panthers place 2 more players on active/PUP list before start of training camp

The Panthers have now placed six players on the active/PUP list ahead of training camp.

Two more Carolina Panthers won’t be ready for the start of training camp.

As announced by the team on Saturday afternoon, receiver Cam Sims and rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade have been placed on the active/physically unable to perform list. They will join wideout Jalen Coker, offensive tackle Yosh Nijman and outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Amaré Barno—all of whom were also shelved on Friday.

Smith-Wade was selected by the Panthers in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Given Carolina’s lack of depth at the cornerback position, the Washington State standout could figure into the defense’s plans right away in 2024.

“With this whole pre-draft process, I’ve been talking to coaches and a lot of scouts,” Smith-Wade said after being selected in April. “They see me as a nickel, but I wouldn’t limit myself to just one position. I see myself being versatile in this league. I see myself making plays at corner, I see myself making plays at nickel, perhaps even safety. So I would never just limit myself to just one position when I know I can be multiple.”

He is now the second of Carolina’s 2024 draftees who hasn’t received clearance for the start of camp—with second-round running back Jonathon Brooks having already been placed on the active/non-football injury list yesterday.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales praises rookie CB Chau Smith-Wade

Panthers HC Dave Canales on Chau Smith-Wade: “He’s a worker.”

The Carolina Panthers really seem to have themselves a dawg in Chau Smith-Wade.

Head coach Dave Canales spoke on the rookie cornerback following Wednesday’s outing of organized team activities. When asked about the depth at the position and about Smith-Wade specifically, he lauded the 21-year-old for the job he’s done thus far.

“He’s a worker,” Canales said. “The guys that we drafted, these guys are hard workers and tough football players. And that’s what we tried to do—is profile those type of guys that fit what we’re doing. He fits right in with the group.

“He’s active, he’s always workin’ on stuff, JUGS after practice and I just love his focus. He’s got a great smile, but then you see, like, he’s just locked in. And he’s really interested in what’s happening everywhere.”

Smith-Wade was selected by the Panthers in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He comes into the pros as a standout defender at Washington State University and the National team Most Valuable Player from this year’s Senior Bowl.

Given Carolina’s lack of solidified depth at corner, Smith-Wade could factor in sooner rather than later—especially if he keeps on working.

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Carolina Panthers’ best sleeper pick: Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State

Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade could be an immediate slot force for the Carolina Panthers.

Smith-Wade played quite a bit outside in college, but projects to the slot for his NFL team. He was strong in coverage over four seasons with the Cougars (three as a starter), allowing 60 catches on 113 targets for 790 yards, 247 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 76.2. He also has experience in the box and as a blitzer at the line of scrimmage, but the Panthers want to see him in the slot, and he’s ready for that challenge, despite the fact that he had just 30 snaps there in college. The Panthers got him with the 157th pick in the fifth round.

“At nickel you’re never cold, you’re either in the run fit, you’re in the box or you’re guarding those quick guys in the slot, so you’re never cold at nickel,” he said. “I really love that about nickel and the defensive back variety pack, out of the corners and safety, just being that nickel, you’re closer to the ball.”