Panthers: 5 toughest matchups for Donte Jackson outside NFC South

Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson has some tough matchups involving top wide receivers outside of the NFC South in 2020.

Cornerback Donte Jackson has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders in 2020. The Carolina Panthers are relying on the player to make the No. 1 spot his own following the departure of James Bradberry. And there is a lot to like about his aspirations in the role.

Jackson has an unbelievable speed to go down the field with any receiver in the league. If he can cut out rash decision-making at times, then the former LSU sensation comes into a pivotal campaign with the Carolina Panthers as a potential shutdown corner if he performs as expected.

It is clear that Jackson has plenty on his plate next season. He will be covering the opposition’s best wideout threat on a consistent basis. And this will see him come up against the likes of Julio Jones, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Michael Thomas during divisional matchups in the NFC South.

There are plenty of gifted receivers on the remainder of Carolina’s schedule for Jackson to contend with. This will be a baptism of fire for the player. But if he can come out on the other side with creditability, then it should come with a big payday in the not-too-distant future.

Jackson is heading into the penultimate year of his rookie deal and will make a base salary of $917,052 in 2020. This will increase to $1.13 million in 2021. But if he excels next season, he will have outplayed his current deal by a significant amount.

Here are the top-five challenges awaiting Jackson from outside the NFC South next season, including an honorable mention who will provide a considerable threat when he lines up on the outside.

Carolina Panthers Honorable Mention: Keenan Allen (WR)

Keenan Allen would have made this list if he was lined up on the outside more prominently. The Los Angeles Chargers standout spends a great deal of time in the slot. And this is an area of the field where he excels.

The Chargers also have Mike Williams as their primary downfield threat. Jackson will probably be tasked with keeping him quiet rather than focusing on limiting Allen’s influence on intermediate routes.

Allen is sure to give Jackson all he can handle when the pair do lock horns. And he is coming into the season with a self-made chip on his shoulder after recently going off on Twitter about his standing in comparison to other receivers across the NFL.