2012 NFL Draft: What the Panthers Can Expect from Josh Norman

The Carolina Panthers ranked No. 24 in the NFL last season in pass defense, giving up 246.8 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. Chris Gamble is locked in as the top cornerback on the depth chart, but the rest of the field is up in the air.

Josh Norman was drafted in the fifth round to add depth to a secondary that doesn’t really have an identity aside from Gamble. Norman will compete from Day 1 for a starting spot, with a strong shot at seeing a good amount of playing time in 2012.

He spent four years at Coastal Carolina, seeing action the whole way. He played in all 12 games as a true freshman and continued to make an impact during his next three seasons.

A knock on Norman has been his level of competition. Scouts openly raised questions about how he would adjust in the pros after facing the likes of the Big South throughout college. The Panthers, though, don’t seem too worried.

Norman measured in at the NFL combine at six feet and 197 pounds. He has good size and length, a factor that will help his chances playing in his first year.

Carolina got a huge steal at pick No. 143 overall. He makes an impact in man and zone coverage, he has great tackling skills and he can even get the job done on special teams. Norman blocked four kicks during his college days.

Initial reports indicate Norman competing for the spot opposite Gamble, but it will take a lot for him to win that job right away. Captain Munnerlyn, Darius Butler and Brandon Hogan are all vying for playing time right along with Norman.

Munnerlyn started 14 games in 2011 but was placed on Injured Reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury. Butler stepped in for the final two games in Munnerlyn’s stead.

Hogan only played in three games last year as a rookie after being drafted in the fourth round. However, Norman’s physical presence gives him a great chance to see more action.