The Panthers won’t be rolling out their stars in Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game, but there’s still plenty to track on defense when Carolina opens its preseason against the Cardinals.
Head coach Dave Canales already made it clear earlier this week that the starters won’t see the field, which shifts the spotlight to the players trying to grab roles, jobs, and maybe a little momentum before the roster starts getting trimmed down. With that in mind, four defenders stand out as names to watch in Canton.
Aaron Hall has gone from offseason curiosity to one of the more intriguing stories on the roster. The Durham, N.C. native drew attention after a strong spring, and the door looks even more open now with starter Tershawn Wharton dealing with a neck injury and LaBryan Ray suddenly retiring.
The undrafted rookie could be in position to fight for a 53-man roster spot sooner than expected. Carolina’s depth up front is shaky enough that Hall may get a real chance to help behind Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III.
At 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds, he brings the kind of pass-rushing production that jumps off the page, including 56 pressures at Duke University in 2024 and 2025.
Inside linebacker is another spot worth watching, and Bam Martin-Scott is in the mix there. Trevin Wallace is still the favorite to line up next to free-agent addition Devin Lloyd, but the Panthers have reason to stay flexible if someone else forces the issue. Martin-Scott has continued to win over the coaching staff in his second pro season, and the 26-year-old may get a long look in the preseason opener, particularly if Claudin Cherelus is held out.
Jackson Kuwatch is another inside linebacker to keep on the radar. The 2026 seventh-round pick is trying to carve out a place in the defense, even if his first real role comes on special teams. At 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds, he has a frame and athletic profile that make him worth a closer look.
Then there’s Cam Gill, who is back for a third stint with Carolina after a strong spring in the United Football League. The Sumter, S.C. native led the league with 10.0 sacks and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
With second-year starting outside linebacker Nic Scourton already out for the season, Gill has a path to stick as a backup pass rusher. Thursday night should tell us whether that spring momentum carries into Canton.
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