Carolina Panthers: Can Troy Pride Jr. make an instant impact in 2020?

Can Pride Jr. make an instant impression?

Troy Pride Jr. has a lot going for him as he embarks on the NFL. He has elite speed and will be able to go down the field with any wide receiver in his path.

Another notable feature of his game is the way he reacts to a quarterback’s movement. Pride Jr. boasts exceptional instincts and has a quick twitch to get early jumps when he plays in zone coverage.

What he lacks in height, Pride Jr. more than makes up for with his hands. The prospect is able to pluck the ball out of the air and handles well under pressure.

Although elements of his game such as footwork need some refinement. He is a gifted athletically and has an explosive side to his game that is going to endear him to the Carolina Panthers’ fanbase.

There is a real chance Pride Jr. can make a starting spot his own if he performs well whenever training camp gets underway. The Panthers have high hopes that Donte Jackson can take a leap forward in a more prominent role in 2020 after established cornerback James Bradberry left in free agency in a big-money deal to the New York Giants.

Dominique Hatfield is another veteran that can provide immediate assistance and represents a good short-term option. This would allow Pride Jr. to develop and come in as a potential nickel corner during his rookie campaign.

The NFC South will be an unforgiving place for first-year cornerbacks next season. Putting too much pressure on Pride Jr. against some premier wideouts could be detrimental to his long-term chances.

Pride Jr.’s arrival in Carolina comes with a significant upside. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow will have to be wary of how much he puts on the player’s shoulder early on. But if he lives up to his potential then a starting role will surely come in the not-too-distant future.