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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFC South safety rankings

By Michael Horan

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets finds room to run between middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and free safety Chris Conte #23 during the third quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets finds room to run between middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and free safety Chris Conte #23 during the third quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Justin Hardy #14 of the Atlanta Falcons with a reception against Mike Adams #29 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Justin Hardy #14 of the Atlanta Falcons with a reception against Mike Adams #29 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers

“Yikes”. That was the first word I muttered when I began researching the Carolina Panthers safety group. This is a truly underwhelming unit that has the potential to hold back the Panthers defense as a whole. With the loss of Kurt Coleman to the Saints, Mike Adams now becomes the leader of the safety group. Though he put forth a decent 2017 season, the 37 year old Adams is not the type of player you want to call the “best” of your unit. He had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 48 solo tackles last season.

Starting opposite of Adams is 29 year old Da’Norris Searcy, who joined the team this off-season from the Tennessee Titans. Searcy is a bit of a journeyman who can provide depth and solid snaps, but the Panthers seem intent on making him a starter. Bold strategy Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for them. Demetrious Cox, Colin Jones, Damian Parms and Dezmen Southward make up the rest of this unit.

My brain is bent over the Panthers decision to mostly ignore safety in both free agency and the draft given how weak their unit is right now. The Panthers regularly make weird roster moves, but this one stands out. Da’Norris Searcy is likely better suited to be a rotational player as opposed to a locked in starter, and quite frankly the same goes for the veteran Mike Adams. Neither player would start on Tampa Bay, which is saying quite a bit. Speaking of the Buccaneers…

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