D.J. Moore wasn’t quite the magnitude of player I had in mind when I wrote earlier Tuesday that a run on big-name cornerbacks is coming in the NFC South.
But Moore, who played nickel back for Chicago last season, has been signed by the Carolina Panthers.
Along with Josh Thomas and Josh Norman, the Panthers should have some good young talent at cornerback. Moore can be the nickel back or maybe even contend for a starting job. He also should be a fan favorite because he went to high school in Spartanburg, S.C., where the Panthers hold training camp.
Moore’s signing may be an indication the Panthers aren’t expecting to re-sign Captain Munnerlyn, who has similar size and skills. The Panthers also previously signed veteran Drayton Florence, who can compete to be the second or third cornerback.
The Panthers now have some depth at cornerback and the competition among Moore, Florence, Thomas and Norman could prompt one or more of them to step up. But the Panthers, who previously released veteran Chris Gamble, don’t have a true No. 1 cornerback.
More and more, I’m thinking Carolina will use its first-round draft pick on a cornerback.
