Panthers news: Does cornerback spot need strengthening in 2020?
By Dean Jones
How concerning is the Panthers’ cornerback depth?
Good Carolina Panthers news regarding cornerback play in 2020 might be hard to find. The franchise is devoid of many experiences at the position and it remains to be seen whether rookies and current roster members can step up to the plate.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
The Panthers are holding out high hopes for Donte Jackson to make the No. 1 cornerback position his own. The former second-round pick out of LSU is looking to build on an encouraging sophomore campaign that ended with three interceptions, eight pass deflections, 32 solo tackles, and a fumble recovery. If the player can make further strides in his game, he could be set for a breakout campaign in 2020. He did get benched following a series of mistakes at the back end of 2019, which is a concern.
Fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. is also going to see a lot of work as he adjusts to life in the NFL. It is going to be a real baptism of fire for the speed demon from Notre Dame and how he copes will go a long way to determining just what the Panthers can expect from him in the coming years.
The versatility of second-round pick Jeremy Chinn might see the safety drop down into the slot cornerback position during the season. The Southern Illinois product’s athleticism was a primary reason the Panthers traded up to take him. And big things are expected from the outset.
Outside of this, the options are pretty slim. Natrell Jamerson does have some scope to make the roster and Derrick Thomas is in the same boat after being given a chance by Matt Rhule, who worked with the player at Baylor.
Related Story. 4 free-agent cornerbacks the Panthers should consider. light
The NFC South is an unforgiving place and if the Panthers news wants to be remotely encouraging in 2020, then their current secondary members are going to have to show their mettle from day one. That might be easier said than done. But bringing in a veteran to plug the gap is not a viable option right now with little or no money available.