Carolina Panthers: 3 positions that could be better than expected
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers position No. 1: Cornerback
The Carolina Panthers made considerable changes to their cornerback room this offseason in a bid to turnaround their fortunes. James Bradberry departed in free agency for a big-money move to the New York Giants. And the organization decided not to bring back Ross Cockrell or Javien Elliott.
This has left the unit with a completely different look to it heading into the new season. Donte Jackson is the undisputed No. 1 option. And the former LSU star will now get the chance to become one of the best in the business if he reaches expectations in 2020.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Eli Apple comes into the Panthers with plenty to prove. He might have been the No. 10 overall pick once upon a time. But his career has been riddled with mistakes so far.
Apple appears to be on his final chance in terms of being a starter in the NFL. And the Panthers appear confident that they can turn things around for the player.
Another intriguing arrival is fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. The Notre Dame product has an unbelievable amount of speed to call upon. And although he is still a little raw in terms of development, there is nothing to suggest he cannot make an instant impact.
This is a position that could go either way for the Panthers. They are up against some elite passing attacks in 2020. And if they are not firing on all cylinders from the off, it is going to be a long season in Carolina.
That being said, there is every chance they can raise their game in the face of such stern competition. And the cornerback production might be much better than expected.