Corn

Elder

The Panthers’ primary slot corner for the first two thirds of 2020, Elder was phased out down the stretch. On the whole, the 2017 fifth-rounder was decent in the first extended action of his career. He makes a lot of sense as a one-year flier for a rebuilding team.

Elder was a fifth-round pick in 2017. He suffered a patella stress fracture in his knee as a rookie and played just 61 defensive snaps as a sophomore.

Elder (5’10/183) made 21 starts in the Hurricanes’ secondary, tallying 11.5 career tackles for loss, six sacks, and three interceptions. A star tailback and point guard in high school, Elder didn’t become a full-time defensive back until his junior year at The U, yet earned first-team All-ACC from the conference’s coaches as a senior. Small with 4.56 speed but highly competitive, Elder projects as a quick-twitch slot corner who missed only four tackles as a college senior. A feisty, efficient inside cover man, PFF College has compared Elder to Panthers slot CB Captain Munnerlyn.

The Panthers have now signed all seven of their draft picks as well as five undrafted rookies. Elder was selected 152nd overall following a standout career at Miami. Best suited for slot cornerback, Elder should open his big-league career playing special teams and backing up Captain Munnerlyn.

Elder was likely competing for dime duties in defensive sub-packages as a rookie. It sounds like a multi-week issue and will cost Elder important practice reps.

A patella stress fracture ended Elder’s rookie season before it even got started, but he is nearing full health. “This injury is usually a six-month recovery, so I’m right on schedule,” Elder said. “I have my days where it’s a little sore, but I’m feeling good. I’m on the right path getting better every day.” Elder should be given every chance to win the slot corner job this offseason.