Week 3 stock-watch from Carolina Panthers’ training camp

UP: Stantley Thomas-Oliver III – CB

One of the more encouraging players to showcase their skills over the last week was Stantley Thomas-Oliver III. The seventh-round pick is making his presence felt against more experienced teammates. And this is something that could see the rookie make his way onto the rotation in 2020.

Thomas-Oliver has just two years of playing cornerback under his belt at Florida International. But he has made the smoothest of transitions to the role. Getting valuable reps against the potent passing weapons available to the Carolina Panthers during training camp has undoubtedly been a significant help to his overall development. And the player has more than held his own so far.

Carolina’s final pick in their historic all-defense 2020 NFL Draft has the potential to be a real steal. Thomas-Oliver is blessed with some outstanding physical attributes that will only get better in a professional environment. And while it might be asking too much of the corner to come in and start right away. There is nothing to suggest he cannot be ready for such responsibility in 2021 and beyond.

This is another eye-catching athletic player that the Panthers have at their disposal. What their defensive unit lacks in experience, it more than makes up for in speed and hopefully, their dynamic nature can keep them competitive next season, at the very least.