Carolina Panthers: Did Dominique Hatfield deserve a chance in 2020?

Did Hatfield deserve a chance with the Carolina Panthers?

Dominique Hatfield went into the NFL Draft as a projected contender to become a starter in 2020. Just a few short days after the last selection was made, he is looking for a new home following his shock release by the Carolina Panthers.

There are a number of factors that resulted in the organization parting ways with the player. The Panthers drafted hybrid secondary players such as Jeremy Chinn and Kenny Robinson who can cover in the slot. They also spent their fourth-round pick on speedy cornerback Troy Pride Jr. and the franchise has high hopes he can make an instant impact in 2020.

It is clear Carolina’s decision-makers are going to give Donte Jackson every chance to be the team’s No. 1 cornerback option next season. The NFC South will be a callous place for underperforming corners. It will be up to the former second-round pick to ensure he is ready for the extreme challenges that lie ahead.

Hatfield might be a victim of circumstance as the Panthers look to go younger and rebuild the roster almost from scratch. They did show some initial faith in him by giving him a one-year deal. But there are no guarantees for fringe players in the NFL and the former Los Angeles Ram will now have to look for another opportunity to prolong his career.

One would argue Hatfield was worth at least training camp to prove himself to the new coaching staff. Only time will tell as to whether or not it was the correct decision.