'Tackling machine' Bobby Okereke tops Panthers' Week 1 depth chart

Waiting patiently throughout the NFL offseason, free agent Bobby Okereke focused on individual conditioning while preparing for his next opportunity.

Meanwhile, on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan grew increasingly impatient with the second inside linebacker options during OTAs and training camp.

Throughout the spring and summer, coach Dave Canales promoted the competition between Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace, who shuffled in and out of the starting lineup. Both were considered top candidates to start alongside Devin Lloyd in the base 3-4 alignment.

An impatient Morgan reached his limit late in training camp. He wanted more and reached out to a "tackling machine."

Still available on the free agent market in August, Okereke finally heard from a potential suitor. A one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Panthers quickly materialized. 

"The thought of being able to get a player like Bobby Okereke was an amazing opportunity for us," Canales said on Sept. 1. 

Before the deal became official, Morgan released Wallace during cutdown day Aug. 30. The move proved emotional. 

"Trevin, I love him, I wish him the best (with the New York Jets)," Canales said. "The guy was part of our first draft class, but this was an opportunity to make that room more competitive."

Panthers' Bobby Okereke provides Devin Lloyd running partner

The New York Giants' leading tackler last season, Okereke, participated in his first practice Sept. 1, the first full session as a 53-man unit at the fields behind Bank of America Stadium.

Okereke registered 143 combined tackles with six passes defended and two interceptions. The Panthers coveted the seven-year veteran's skill set.  

The Panthers' 3-4 base defense has proven vulnerable to athletic tight ends the past few seasons. Canales on Monday spoke of the abilities of Lloyd and Okereke and sounded confident they will provide adequate pass coverage, while not sacrificing their run defense responsibilities.

"Two physical players and when they see the ball and they see what's happening, they play downhill," Canales said after Monday's practice. "Bobby's a tackling machine. He covers ground, uses his mind to be in good position. When you can play like that, it's a good balance.

"You know, I feel like (Lloyd and Okereke) are two really balanced players in terms of being able to play the run and also know where their marks are when dropping (into) coverage." 

MORE: Fluid Panthers sign ILB Bobby Okereke, claim OL Corey Bullock

The Panthers open defense of their 2025 NFC South title against the visiting Chicago Bears on Sunday. Canales expected Bears coach Ben Johnson to command a deceptive offensive gameplan.

"That's one thing that I've always appreciated about Ben Johnson's offenses, it's not going to be just this (type of) run," Canales said. "It's going to be multiple runs out of similar looks."

Canales said the Lloyd, who was named a team captain, and Okereke will need to be aware of deceptive play calls.

"We're expecting those wrinkles," he said. "And really, it forces you to dial in."

And remain patient as the process plays out.

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