The Panthers have acquired more depth in their secondary and ended the second era of rostering two kickers all in one fell swoop on Wednesday afternoon, claiming cornerback Ladarius Gunter from waivers and severing ties with seventh-round-pick Harrison Butker. While Butker did not miss a kick in the preseason, head coach Ron Rivera seemed to indicate his preference for Graham Gano throughout training camp and the preseason, and the while the Panthers gauged the trade market for kickers, roster cut day came and went, much to the chagrin and panic of many Panthers’ fans. However, it appears that the Panthers were simply waiting to release a player they like (Butker) for a player they liked more. And in Ladarius Gunter, they may have found him.
“Good football player. You look what LaDarius has done in his time here. He’s grinded away and keeps getting better with every opportunity. He’s a really good student of the game, plays to his strengths. He really pays attention and exercises the details of the techniques needed for each particular coverage and call.”
-Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy
Gunter was not drafted in 2015 mostly due to concerns about the former Miami Hurricane’s speed and whether or not he could keep up with NFL receivers on a regular basis. After signing with the Green Bay Packers and only seeing eight snaps of action in his rookie season, Gunter was thrust into the lineup in his second season due to injuries to both Sam Shields and Damarious Randall; the young corner was able to hold his own, eventually becoming the most trusted cornerback on a Packers defense that, admittedly, had some real issues against the pass, finishing 31st in the NFL last season. While he struggled against Julio Jones and Dez Bryant, he was able to hold his own against Odell Beckham, Jr in the first round of the playoffs, holding the mercurial wide receiver to just four catches and 28 yards. To go from an undrafted rookie to a number one cornerback that plays over 80% of defensive snaps in just over twenty games is a remarkable accomplishment, and one that should not be taken lightly.
While Gunter’s most memorable performance came against Julio Jones in the NFC Championship game in which he gave up six catches, 144 yards, and two touchdowns, Gunter won’t be expected to play defense against opponent’s number one receivers in Carolina, he’ll more be used as a depth piece, more than likely acting as the first backup to James Bradberry and Daryl Worley along with other newly claimed cornerback Keyvan Seymour. Gunter excels when he can put his hands on the receiver and play closer, and does have a penchant for getting beat when he allows quick receivers to get free releases against him.
Dez Bryant versus Ladarius Gunter. Fade route one on one with an excellent throw by Dak Prescott#Cowboys #GBvsDAL #Packers pic.twitter.com/r2hmneQIgk
— Samuel Gold (@SamuelRGold) January 15, 2017
