Carolina Panthers: 4 big takeaways from Phil Snow’s virtual presser

High hopes for Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson

Expectations could not be higher for Donte Jackson in 2020. The Carolina Panthers cornerback will now be tasked with becoming the team’s No. 1 cornerback option after James Bradberry departed in free agency in favor of a big-money move to the New York Giants.

There is nothing to suggest that Jackson isn’t ready for this step up in class. He performed well in 2019 and has all the tools one is looking for in a potential shutdown cornerback.

Covering the opposition’s primary receiving threat consistently is a completely different ball game. But it is something that the former second-round pick is going to take on with his customary determination.

Snow clearly likes what he sees in Jackson. And he excited to see him develop into a productive starter in 2020 and beyond.

"“First of all, Donte’s really tough for his size. He’s physical, which I love. In today’s football, everybody’s getting in the tight formations to run the football and make the corners tackle. He can do that. So I’m excited about that. You look at how well he runs — he has catch-up speed. The problem is, is he needs to get a little more detailed. We’ve talked to him about that, and with our DB coaches, they’re working well with him, and I think he’s got some real talent to him. So I’m excited to watch him grow with the people who are going to coach him.”"

A large number of the Panthers’ hopes next season will fall squarely on the shoulders of Jackson. The team drafted fourth-rounder Troy Pride Jr. But it remains to be seen whether he can become a difference-maker from the word go.

They also brought in Eli Apple on a one-year, $3 million deal. And although he does have a useful skillset. He has failed to live up to expectations so far and will need to turn things around quickly during what looks to be his final chance to be a starter in the NFL.