The Carolina Panthers added a speed demon to their secondary in Troy Pride Jr., but can the rookie make an instant impact in 2020?
The secondary was a huge need for the Carolina Panthers heading into day three of the 2020 NFL Draft. They addressed this early by picking up cornerback Troy Pride Jr. with their fourth-round selection.
The former Notre Dame prospect has plenty of likable features to his game that fit in well with new head coach Matt Rhule’s vision for the franchise. He boasts an electrifying pace and a desire that is sure to make a successful transition to the next level.
Providing Pride Jr. works on areas of need during training camp, then the Panthers have a player of enormous potential on their hands. It represented a high-value pick in the mid-rounds and one that can bring instant production.
It is clear the Carolina coaching staff have plenty to work with regarding Pride Jr., who has already set his sights on covering the incredible receiving talent currently plying their trade in the NFC South.
Speaking to the Panthers website, Pride Jr. had this to say on the challenges awaiting him.
"“I’m already setting myself up for that. I’ve always been working for the best and to have the best in our division – Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and all those guys, Matt Ryan – it’s going to be wonderful. You relish those opportunities, you relish that moment to compete against the best because, shoot, the cream’s going to rise to the top.”"
One reason the player might have drooped is his size, which gives him a slightly lower catch radius and could see him struggle against bigger wideouts at the next level.
That being said, given the relative lack of depth at corner for the Panthers, Pride Jr. may be thrown in at deep end and be a day one starter.
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.