4 toughest matchups for Troy Pride Jr. in 2020
By Dean Jones
Sammy Watkins (Kansas City Chiefs)
The Kansas City Chiefs managed to keep Sammy Watkins around as they go in search of back-to-back Super Bowls in 2020. This was a massive boost for the team given the player’s recent renaissance working alongside stud quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
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Putting Carolina Panthers draft pick Troy Pride Jr. against Tyreek Hill is not going to end well for the rookie. But coming up against an experienced player such as Watkins is also going to bring its own set of problems.
Watkins might have had problems staying healthy during his career. But few would deny his ability to make plays consistently when he is at the top of his game.
The former Buffalo Bill came up big in the clutch for the Chiefs on their way to a Vince Lombardi Trophy last season. He is an elite route runner that possesses the sort of hands that make it extremely difficult for opposing cornerbacks to get in front of.
This is going to be another stern test for Pride Jr., who was taken by the Panthers draft team with a view to making a telling contribution early on. He will need to use every inch of his supreme athleticism to make things difficult for Watkins. And the player is going to be targeted heavily due to his lack of experience at the next level.
Mahomes is a surgeon when it comes to picking apart a defense. And Pride Jr. will have to alert at all times if he wants to stand any chance of getting the better of Watkins.