Panthers’ Canales ‘fired up’ for 2025 draft pick’s opportunity in trenches
Cam Jackson has a new number and a new opportunity. The 2025 fifth-round pick, after playing just 85 defensive snaps as a rookie, is lining up next to Derrick Brown within the Carolina Panthers’ defense during organized team activities (OTA) workouts.
The 6-foot-6, 328-pound nose tackle is one of the biggest men on the roster, and he’s got some relatively large shoes to fill with A’Shawn Robinson moving to Tampa Bay and Turk Wharton recovering from offseason neck surgery. Bobby Brown, a fellow 2025 arrival, is nursing a minor calf injury as well, which has given Jackson the opportunity for extended reps with the top trench unit.
The Panthers selected Lee Hunter in the second round of last month’s draft to make up for the loss of Robinson, but Jackson, 23, could end up filling the void left by the injured guys still under contract.
“I’m fired up to see what Cam does with it — with this opportunity,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Tuesday. “As well as Lee Hunter, who just got here. These are young guys that are big and extremely talented. And I can’t wait to see that competition in the interior of our defensive line play out, especially as Bobby is waiting to come back out there. These guys are getting valuable reps playing next to Derrick. And the communication — also the stunts, with Nic (Scourton) and Pat Jones and Jaelan (Phillips), being able to talk through those things. Invaluable time for these guys to be able to grow.”
Cam Jackson: Big man seeking growth
Jackson played just 47 total snaps on defense and special teams through the first 14 weeks of his rookie season. He was a healthy scratch for several games, but he ultimately got thrown into the mix down the stretch of the Panthers’ NFC South-winning run that capped last season.
Canales wants to see growth this summer, but Jackson set a foundation for his future with limited reps last season.
“I’d say it’s very good — just getting my foot in the water, getting my foot wet,” Jackson said. “Bringing it into Year 2, ready to step up and just get better and better each and every day.”
Jackson placed an emphasis on mastering the playbook, getting stronger and improving his lateral quickness this offseason. He has also leaned on the tutoring of Derrick Brown, who Jackson calls “an older brother I didn’t have.”
While Hunter has a bigger profile as a recent Day 2 pick, Jackson has the advantage of being a part of the defense for the past year. Both youngsters, though, have bonded during their short time together.
“It’s good being around Lee,” Jackson said. “He’s coming in, working hard every day. Me and him, we talk to each other on what we need to get better at and what we need to do, and we’re just having fun out there and competing.”
New numbers, new opportunity
A year ago, Jackson sported No. 55 during the summer months. He switched to No. 92 for his rookie regular season. But now, he’s got the No. 99 draped across his torso.
In a way, those ever-changing digits are a poetic reflection of the constant change in the NFL. Jackson was an afterthought throughout most of his rookie year, but he blocked a field goal in the season finale against the Buccaneers. Now, he’s positioned for premium reps on defense in the heart of the offseason program.
Jackson understands nothing will be handed to him. He also knows that Bobby Brown is on the mend.
Numbers change, situations change and Jackson is looking to help in any way he can. Right now, he needs to show he can be counted on as a people-mover on the football field.
Jackson is taking that task in stride.
“I look at it as, you’ve got to be ready when your number’s called,” Jackson said. “You never know when stuff like this will happen, so I’m just, you know, getting better and better each and every day.”
