What happened: Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson finished last season ranked first among NFL cornerbacks in man coverage and fourth in zone coverage, per PFF. He was the only cornerback in the league to place in the top 10 in both categories.

Why it matters: Scheme-proof cornerbacks are rare, and Jackson's dual ranking suggests Carolina has one who can hold up regardless of the coverage call. That kind of versatility gives the Panthers' defensive staff freedom to mix looks in 2026 without hiding their top corner, and it strengthens the secondary's foundation heading into the upcoming season.

What to watch: Watch how Carolina deploys Jackson when training camp opens ahead of the 2026 season, and whether he draws top receiver assignments in both man and zone-heavy game plans.