Corn Elder CB Carolina Panthers 5th Round 152nd Overall
Corn Elder was the leader of the Miami defense in 2016. He tied for third on the team with 76 tackles, led the team with 12 pass breakups and added 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
The Panthers are trying to rebuild their secondary after former superstar cornerback Josh Norman went to the Redskins in the 2016 offseason. They drafted three corners in last year’s draft. Carolina went from a 15-1 regular season and Super Bowl appearance to 6-10 and last in the NFC South in 2016.
Their dominant 2015 defense remained so against the run but struggled against the pass. The Panthers finished 29th in yards allowed and 20th in touchdowns passes allowed last season.
James Bradbury who was the Panthers second round pick last season is listed as a starter on the depth chart with veteran Captain Munnerlyn who signed with the Panthers in the offseason. Darryl Worley and Zack Sanchez who are entering their second seasons backup Munnerlyn.
One of the criticisms of Elder is his lack of size. He seems destined to be a slot corner to be able to match up with the smaller slot receivers. Seems like the perfect player for special teams on coverage and returns.
Elder had both a punt return and kickoff return for touchdowns in 2015. He averaged 13.8 yards per punt return and 33.8 yards on five kickoff returns.