Panthers Draft: 5 players Carolina missed out on in 2020

Adam Trautman – TE (Dayton)

While the Carolina Panthers were focused on spending their first few selections on defense. This could have allowed them to take a few mid-to-late round flyers on improving their offensive options.

The Panthers traded their third-round pick to move back into the second and take a player with significant potential in safety Jeremy Chinn. This left them waiting in the hope that a prospect of interest fell into their lap.

Tight end Adam Trautman would have been high on their list of possibilities. But any potential hope of acquiring the player was scuppered when the New Orleans Saints gave up their remaining selections to the Minnesota Vikings and take the player in the third round.

Trautman was arguably the best player at the position in the draft and should thrive in Sean Payton’s offense. This leaves the Panthers hoping Ian Thomas can live up to his promise with more time on the field in 2020.

The Panthers eventually selected Notre Dame speed-demon cornerback Troy Pride Jr. with their fourth-rounder, which was another real indication as to which direction Matt Rhule wants to go with his defense next season and beyond.

There is plenty to like about Pride Jr.’s chances to make an impact both in 2020 and in the years to come. The franchise is also banking on Donte Jackson taking a leap forward in a starting role in an NFC South division that is littered with passing weapons elsewhere.