Panthers defender could be called into action: How he’s earned trust of coaches
The NFL is all about seizing opportunities, and longtime Panthers special teams contributor Claudin Cherelus might have a big task ahead of him on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Starting inside linebacker Trevin Wallace has already been ruled out with a shoulder injury, and Cherelus projects as the next man up for the NFC South battle. And while the stakes of a division matchup are already high, Cherelus’s individual opportunity comes with notable pressure as he closes out his third year in Carolina.
Set to become a restricted free agent in March, Cherelus has played just over 200 snaps on defense during his rookie contract. But if he can make the most of performing in Wallace’s absence, he could end up helping himself financially in the future.
Since joining the team before Week 1 in 2023, Cherelus has earned the respect of his coaches because of his approach to the game. He is considered a leader on special teams and an ascending backup on defense.
“I’m really proud of him because he came from a small school, without a lot of experience, and really needed to develop, and the improvement that he’s made since he first got here to this point has just been so dramatic — in a positive way,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said Thursday. “So, I’m really happy about the way he works. He’s professional, he does things the right way in the building, outside the building, and he’s certainly done everything in his power to prepare himself for these moments. When he had to step in last year, he did a heck of a job, and we’re looking forward to the same (performance) if the opportunity presents itself.”
Wallace injured his shoulder in the second half of the Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Cherelus immediately replaced Wallace and received positive reviews from evaluation and analytics site, Pro Football Focus.
The Golden Gate, Fla., native has come a long way since entering the league as an undrafted rookie out of Alcorn State. But the former HBCU standout has done so by taking his opportunity with Carolina and running with it.
“He’s very serious about his job, he asks really important questions,” special teams coordinator Tracy Smith said. “He wants to know what he can do to help. And then he’ll branch off and help his teammates. He’s a rock for us. He’s solid on his side. He has his responsibilities taken care of, and you know you can trust him with whatever you have for that week. And then he’s about getting his job right, so I always appreciate that about him.”
Developing into an asset on defense
Cherelus has started two games on defense during his career. Both appearances came last season, and one was ironically against Atlanta in a Week 6 loss.
During that bout against the Falcons, Cherelus produced five tackles and his first QB hit. He rocked then-starting Kirk Cousins as he released a throw down the field.
Since that Week 6 showing last season, he’s been peppered in the defense on occasion, largely due to Wallace’s injury woes. He produced 28 tackles last season before sustaining a major toe injury that cost him the final games of last season.
So far this season, Cherelus has kept his steady hand on special teams. He has also played 44 snaps on defense. For the most part, when called upon, he’s looked the part, in place of Wallace.
“That’s certainly part of a special teamer’s role — is improving and learning the defense or offense, whatever their role is, as they go,” Smith said. “He’s always been conscientious to be on top of his assignment, week to week. You’ve seen him substitute at the end of these games, as Trevin has kind of been in and out. In the fourth quarter, he’s played in three games in a row, at least some part of the end of game on defense. Has done a nice job and built on that.”
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker, if asked to start on Sunday, will line up next to veteran Christian Rozeboom.
While Rozeboom is now an established veteran, his career had a similar start to Cherelus’s journey. The South Dakota State alum started out as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. He excelled on special teams and eventually earned his shot on defense as a starter before signing a 1-year deal with the Panthers in March.
If Cherelus plays well against Atlanta, he could carve out a bigger role in the future with the Panthers. He could also get an opportunity to replace Rozeboom down the road.
“Since I’ve been here, he’s been an improving, developing player, both in his physical skill set and then mentally, he’s just got awareness,” Smith said. “He’s a good leader for us, has been a good leader for us on special teams throughout, and that transitions over to defense.”
From study time to playing time
Cherelus isn’t the Panthers’ only option at inside linebacker. Veteran journeyman Krys Barnes, who is on the practice squad, could also see some playing time opposite Rozeboom.
Still, it’s likely Cherelus will get some snaps on defense. The coaches think he will be prepared for the assignment.
“He’s very, very studious,” Evero said. “He sits in the front of the classroom, great note-taker, he’s always asking (inside linebackers coach Pete Hansen) great questions. Even in the big meeting room with the entire defense, when I’m presenting up there or going through some calls, he’s always one of the guys that responds and is vocal from that standpoint. Very, very coachable — he has the habits it takes to improve and that’s what you’ve seen.”
With just seven games left in the season, there’s no time like the present for Cherelus to step up. If he can handle the job, maybe the Panthers will feel a bit more comfortable about their inside linebacker depth than in years past.
It appears that Cherelus has some fans among the coaching staff.
“I’m excited to see him play on defense,” Smith said. “And see what he can do.”
