As we count down the days until our beloved Carolina Panthers officially kickoff the 2019 season, we’ll take a look at the players on the roster whose jersey numbers equal the number of days remaining.
There are only 91 days until the Carolina Panthers kick off the 2019 season, so let’s take a closer look at the player who wears No. 91 for the Panthers — defensive end Bryan Cox Jr.
Bryan Cox Jr., Defensive end
Bio
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 270 lbs
Age: 24
College: Florida
Experience: 3 years
Bryan Cox Jr. may not be an impact player, but the 2017 undrafted free agent’s career has to be considered a success story. During his two seasons Cox has climbed the difficult mountain from UDFA to the practice squad to the roster to the playing field. As a rookie in 2017 he played 129 defensive in just seven games. In 2018 that total jumped to 200 snaps in 11 games. Averaging over 18 snaps per game over the last two years isn’t bad for a guy who went undrafted.
While the former Florida Gator has earned playing time despite his unheralded UDFA background, he has struggled to make an impact when given the opportunity. In 18 career games he has recorded just eight solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, four quarterback hits, and zero sacks. The fact Cox has been a rotational player these past two years probably has more to do with the Panthers limited depth at defensive end than anything special he brings to the table.
But Cox has shown enough potential that the Panthers extended an exclusive rights free agent tender to bring him back this year. As CSR’s Erik Sommers noted at the time there is speculation Cox could be moved to an interior defensive line position so he should be able to provide some versatile, affordable depth this season. Per Over the Cap his cap hit in 2019 is $645,000 which is a bargain for a player returning for his third year with the team.
That said, Cox isn’t assured a roster spot this year and if he makes the team he will need to step up his game in order to see meaningful snaps. While Julius Peppers has retired, Mario Addison is returning. This offseason the Panthers signed free agent Bruce Irvin and drafted two high-upside edge rushers in Brian Burns (first round) and Christian Miller (fourth round). Efe Obada and Marquis Haynes will also likely be competing with him for a roster spot and playing time.
Nothing will be guaranteed for Cox this year. He will need to earn every snap he gets then once on the field starting impacting games like he has never done before.
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