Carolina Panthers: 3 overhyped rookies heading into 2020

Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Troy Pride Jr. (CB)

The Carolina Panthers waited until the fourth round to address their cornerback needs. This came of something of a surprise given the quality at the top end of the draft. But one could argue that solidifying their defensive front was even more of a necessity.

Troy Pride Jr. comes into the NFL with pace to burn. But his coverage skills and tackling are definite red flags to keep an eye on during his rookie season.

There has been talk of Pride Jr. becoming a starter form day one. And given the quality of passing attacks in the NFC South and the rest of the Panthers’ schedule. This has the potential to do more harm than good.

Pride Jr. has a tremendous set of athletic traits to work with. But there is little doubt that he needs coaching up. Projecting him as a starter is something that classes him as overhyped. And Carolina also seems to recognize this if their free-agent signing of former No. 10 overall pick Eli Apple is any indication.

At the very least, Apple’s presence on the roster should take some of the pressure off Pride Jr. Although it might result in less time at his preferred position. He needs to look at the bigger picture and it might actually be more beneficial to him going forward.