Carolina Panthers: 4 most important players in 2020

Carolina Panthers: Player No. 4 – Donte Jackson

Things look far different defensively for the Carolina Panthers going into next season. This is especially evident in a secondary that lost its No. 1 cornerback option James Bradberry to the New York Giants.

The Panthers opted not to bring in a seasoned pro at the position during free-agency. And they waited until the fourth round to select a corner in the form of Notre Dame speedster Troy Pride Jr.

All this points to a season of real importance for Donte Jackson. The talented player comes into 2020 as the team’s best option and it will be up him to make the spot his own long-term.

Jackson has all the tools one looks for in a solid cornerback. He has tremendous footwork and goes with wide receiver fluidly down the field. The former second-round pick out of LSU was targeted 60 times last season, giving up 38 receptions.

More is going to be needed with a more significant role. Jackson will be tasked with filling the void left by Bradberry, which will mean covering the opposition’s No. 1 receiving option on almost every down.

This will see Jackson come up against the likes of Mike Evans, Julio Jones, Chris Godwin, and Michael Thomas. And that is just in the NFC South.

The player will have no trouble keeping up with receivers. But he needs to become better at locating the football in the air. If he can do this in the penultimate year of his rookie deal. Then it should be rewarded with a long-term extension at some point in 2021.