Is the 2020 draft class ready to roll?
One side effect of losing so many defensive players to free agency is the Panthers will have to rely on their 2020 rookie class more than most teams. They used all seven picks on defense this year (the first team since the AFL-NFL merger to do so) and several of them will need to start.
That includes first-round pick Derrick Brown – who has the power to make an impact at the next level but needs to stand out to shed comparisons to Isaiah Simmons, taken one pick later by the Cardinals. Second-rounder Yetur-Gross Matos was a strong value pick at No. 38. However, he will have to be effective both inside and on the edge. The greatest weight will fall on the team’s young defensive backs though, beginning with Jeremy Chinn, who is one of the most athletic prospects in this class.
Fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. in particular will be tested as he attempts to replace James Bradberry as the top outside cornerback on the roster. Carolina’s fifth-round selection Kenny Robinson may also see a lot of snaps depending on where defensive coordinator Phil Snow thinks he fits best. If these rookies don’t learn fast, odds are it’s going to be a long year.
[lawrence-related id=622179]
[vertical-gallery id=622185]