The 2022 Carolina Panthers positional breakdowns conclude with a look at the Panthers defensive unit.

2022 could be a big year for fourth-year defensive end Brian Burns, as the organization has already elected to exercise his fifth-year option for 2023, setting the next offseason up for Burns to get paid. Can Burns finally reach double-digit sacks? Burns isn't the only player looking to take the next step. Both 2020 draft picks Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos will be called upon to lead the Panthers defensive line unit this season.

The Panthers linebackers have struggled the past two seasons as Shaq Thompson has been paired with Tahir Whitehead and Jermaine Carter Jr. Frankie Luvu is poised to take a starting linebacker spot while Damien Wilson comes off of a career season and Cory Littleton looks to regain his pre-Raiders form. Could this unit be one of the best in football by the end of the season?

Since Matt Rhule arrived in Carolina, the Panthers have made the secondary a priority. Now, the unit boasts former first-rounders Jaycee Horn and C.J. Henderson, along with veteran corner Donte Jackson. Jeremy Chinn has established himself as one of the top young defensive players in the NFL. Can the Panthers defensive backs solidify themselves as an elite secondary in 2022?

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