Panthers Draft: What potential preseason delay means for 2020 class

Can the Panthers draft class shine in 2020?

While the Carolina Panthers draft class are currently getting by on virtual sessions. There is plenty of talent within the group to ensure they can hit the ground running.

There is the potential of four starters coming from the group when competitive action gets back underway. No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown is a plug-and-play starter at defensive tackle and is set to form a formidable partnership with returning veteran Kawann Short.

Second-round selection Yetur Gross also has a shot at making the starting lineup either at defensive end or outside linebacker. His athleticism and versatility are two traits Carolina’s decision-makers looked for prominently in the draft and it would be a huge shock if the Penn State product did not make a real impact early on.

One suspects Carolina did not trade back into the second round so that hybrid safety Jeremy Chinn could sit on the sidelines. He is a physical player that has the scope to be a real difference-maker with a little more development. Slotting him alongside Tre Boston or as a nickel cornerback will do his early progression no end of good.

Cornerback was also an area of need heading into the draft. The Panthers drafted Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III in the fourth and seventh rounds respectively. While the Norte Dame speedster has the scope to be a starter at the next level. Any inclusion in the lineup is going to come with some mistakes given the teams Carolina will come up against in 2020.

There is also plenty of intrigue surrounding safety Kenny Robinson after a colorful path to the NFL. He has professional experience in the XFL and there is plenty to like about his skill set.

A delay in training camp is going to come with complications. Each member of the Panthers draft class needs to get up to speed before the season opener and the coaching staff will be counting on them to use their own initiative to ensure their long and short-term goals are met.

This is a strong group of characters, so that is no concern. But there is no substitute for experience on the field and this is where the impact will be seen the most.