Rashaan

Gaulden

Gaulden was limited to two special teams appearances last year but played in 25 games between the Panthers and Giants the previous two seasons. The 2018 third-rounder should resurface before training camp.

A 2018 third-rounder, Gaulden’s tenure in Carolina lasted less than two years. Gaulden’s special teams mishap in Week 12—he collided with teammate D.J. Moore on a first-quarter punt return, resulting in a turnover—likely sealed his fate. The former Tennessee Volunteer has been credited with a single tackle over 18 defensive snaps this year.

The Panthers have talked up Gaulden all offseason. There’s not much in front of him at safety after letting Mike Adams walk. Gaulden didn’t see much playing time as a rookie, but he’s in line for heavy 2019 snaps.

The Panthers have an open depth chart opposite Eric Reid with Mike Adams gone. Gaulden didn’t see the field much as a rookie, but Carolina has spent the offseason talking him up. Even if Gaulden doesn’t win the safety job, he’s going to see heavy snaps in nickel packages.

Gaulden tested like a safety at the Combine last year before playing a very limited role on defense as a rookie. With some key players including Captain Munnerlyn out the door, he will get a shot to earn a bigger job this season. With Gaulden focusing on corner, the Panthers need to add someone to play next to Eric Reid at safety.

Gaulden (6’1/197) was a two-year starter in the Vols’ secondary, logging 9.5 career tackles for loss with four forced fumbles and one interception. PFF College credited Gaulden with 17 run stops in 2017, most among SEC cornerbacks. Gaulden proceeded to bomb the Combine, running 4.61 with a 30-inch vertical, 7.16 three-cone time, and only eight bench-press reps, suggesting Gaulden hasn’t applied himself in the weight room. Gaulden is a sticky cover man on tape with experience at boundary and slot corner, but his athleticism is more in line with a safety. The Panthers have been talking up Corn Elder and are paying Captain Munnerlyn, so perhaps they view Gaulden as a safety.