3 toughest matchups for Yetur Gross-Matos in 2020
By Dean Jones
What are the toughest matchups for Carolina Panthers rookie Yetur Gross-Matos in 2020?
The Carolina Panthers might have drafted a steal in edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos. After debating to move back into the first-round for the Penn State product, the organization got lucky when he fell into their lap with the No. 38 pick.
Gross-Matos comes with an exceptional ceiling and he will provide another huge boost to a Carolina Panthers defense that went through its fair share of turmoil in 2019. They will be moving back to a 4-3 base next season, so there is the option for the coaching staff to use their second-rounder either at defensive end or outside linebacker.
With Brian Burns operating on the right-hand side, the Carolina Panthers have the chance to switch Gross-Matos and free-agent signing Stephen Weatherly whenever they see fit. Both are more than capable of playing either pass-rushing spot and this sort of versatility is something new head coach Matt Rhule sought both during free agency and the NFL Draft.
The prolific college player will need to add some more moves to his repertoire if he wants to make an instant impact at the next level. But he has landed in a good spot with the Panthers and should get plenty of room to work in thanks to the interior presence of Kawann Short and No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown.
Outside linebacker Shaq Thompson is a lock to start on the right. So the majority of Gross-Matos’ early work is going to come from the left. This will see him take on NFL right tackles for the first time and it’s going to be s stern test of his credentials.
Here are the three toughest matchups for Gross-Matos heading into his rookie campaign.