Donte Jackson reveals which Panthers player has impressed him the most leading into season

Stantley Oliver-Thomas, Carolina Panthers defensive back — Carolina Panthers defensive back Stantley Oliver-Thomas gets down into a stance during a game against the New York Giants on Oct. 24, 2022. (Vincent Carchietta / USA TODAY Sports)

The Carolina Panthers fired coach Matt Rhule early in the 2022 season, then struggled the rest of the way as they finished just 7-10. But a handful of key players are back and optimism is high in Charlotte, N.C.

Coming out of OTAs and mini-camp, veteran Donte Jackson shared with Panthers player stood out to him the most.

“Definitely expected this guy to show up ready to go, but Stantley,” Jackson said. “Stantley Thomas-Oliver, he’s been great. They’re moving him around a lot in the secondary, letting him see different positions, play different positions.”

Thomas-Oliver has struggled to stay healthy in two of his three NFL seasons to date. He landed on the injured reserve during both the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.

The Panthers player has shown some potential, though, even in relatively limited action. The numbers aren’t necessarily anything to write home about — 17 tackles in three seasons, over 25 games played — but veterans like Jackson have been singing his praises this offseason.

“He’s always been a smart player, a very detailed player,” Jackson said. “And he’s really showing up for the defense in huge ways this OTAs. Again with (Jeremy) Chinn, again with Vonn (Bell), those guys just coming in attacking their role. It’s just been great for the group.”

The Panthers could use Thomas-Oliver’s help in the secondary.

A year ago, Carolina finished ranked 23rd in the league in passing yards allowed, giving up 3,868 during the season. The Panthers allowed 25 passing touchdowns and recorded just 10 interceptions.

The Panthers player that has impressed Jackson so much, Thomas-Oliver, was a seventh-round draft pick by Carolina in 2020 out of FIU. He played in 10 games as a rookie, then 12 during his second year.

Last season, Thomas-Oliver was limited to just three appearances after suffering a thigh injury landed him on the injured reserve.

While at FIU, Thomas-Oliver was named a 2019 All-Conference USA second team honoree. He made 54 tackles that year and recorded 4.0 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and nine passes defended.

Though he starred at FIU as a defensive back in his later years, Thomas-Oliver actually started off as a receiver at the college level. As a freshman in 2016 he caught 35 passes for 485 yards and a touchdown.