3 backups pushing for serious game time with the Panthers in 2020

Corn Elder – CB

There appears to be an opening for someone who impresses to enter the cornerback discussion. The Carolina Panthers did not bring back James Bradberry, Ross Cockrell, or Javien Elliott this offseason. And they are going into the upcoming campaign with a completely new unit.

One player who might get a chance to shine is Corn Elder. Things have not gone according to plan for the fifth-round pick so far. But he was more than holding his own against star wideout Curtis Samuel during the live-streamed team drills earlier this week.

This is just a small sample of what the Panthers are doing at camp. But it is an encouraging sign, nonetheless.

He has plenty of likable traits to call upon. And all a player like Elder needs is a consistent period in the lineup to extend his stay with the organization.

Donte Jackson, Eli Apple, and fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. are expected to fill the starting three spots. And Elder also faces stern competition from the likes of T.J. Green, Natrell Jamerson, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, and Cole Luke for the No. 4 spot.

All the cornerback can do is perform to the level needed to at least enter the discussion. Even that might not be enough. But Elder will at least know he left it all out on the field during drills.