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Last season, the Carolina Panthers finally managed to change the narrative about themselves. After years of being one of the NFL's funniest punchlines, the organization captured their first division title in a decade and put on quite a show in their first playoff appearance since 2017.
They got there by finding value in unlikely places—including through free-agent bargains, slick trades and undrafted gems. And a new list from CBS Sports, which counts off the NFL's top 50 under-the-radar players, highlights each of those areas for Carolina.
Offensive tackle Rasheed Walker came in at No. 24 after signing a one-year, $4 million deal this past spring. Senior writer Zachary Pereles notes:
Many expected Walker, given his age (26), position (left tackle) and relatively solid, reliable play, to cash in this offseason. It didn't happen, and he settled for a one-year deal with the Panthers, whose left tackle, Ikem Ekwonu, tore his patellar tendon in the playoffs. Carolina, which also selected Monroe Freeling in the first round, will look for Walker to play well in a prove-it year.
With Tuesday's news that longtime right tackle Taylor Moton will likely miss the start of the season due to a blood clot, we might be able to assume that rookie Monroe Freeling will be taking his place in the starting lineup. That also means Walker should win the left tackle competition, by default, and replace the injured Ikem Ekwonu on the blindside.
Next, wide receiver Jalen Coker came in at No. 46 on the list—fresh off inking a three-year, $34 million extension:
While Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan got plenty of deserved praise last year, Coker continued to impress as a big, strong outside wide receiver who excels in contested-catch situations. He had nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' wild-card loss to the Rams. The former UDFA got a three-year, $35 million extension this offseason.
Coker's numbers may not be eye-popping as of yet—but keep in mind that he's missed six games each of the last two seasons due to quad injuries. If he can stay healthy for a full year, Coker could easily approach 750 receiving yards given his increased importance in the offense.
Last but not least, Carolina's criminally-underrated cornerback Mike Jackson came in at No. 47:
The veteran cornerback nabbed four regular-season interceptions (he had three in his entire career entering the year) and also picked off Matthew Stafford in the playoffs. Jackson's 19 passes defensed were tied for the league lead, and his 55.4 passer rating allowed as the primary defender ranked 14th among 134 players who were the primary defender on at least 50 passes.
The Panthers landed Jackson in an 11th-hour trade with the Seattle Seahawks just before the 2024 season began—sending over a seventh-round draft pick, linebacker Michael Barrett, in exchange. That turned out to be one of the best moves that general manager Dan Morgan has made thus far.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers have 3 of the NFL's top under-the-radar players
