One dangerous newcomer for every team on Panthers’ 2020 schedule
By Dean Jones
Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB
The Super Bowl champions lucked out when they used their first-round pick on running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the No. 32 overall pick in 2020. Starting option Damien Williams has opted out due to health concerns, so the former LSU standout is going see plenty of the field as a rookie.
Putting Edwards-Helaire on a potent Chiefs’ offense is going to make them incredibly hard to beat. The back comes into the league with dual-threat potential. And he has no trouble getting the hard yards when needed.
This will still be a pass-first offense for as long as Patrick Mahomes is under center. But Edwards-Helaire is a nice change of pace player to have in the backfield who can make things happen at the drop of a hat.
Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah – CB
The Lions’ secondary has been nothing short of woeful in recent seasons. This could all change thanks to No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah, who has the potential to be the NFL’s next great shutdown cornerback if he reaches his ceiling.
Okudah played on an island at Ohio State and absolutely thrived. Opposing offenses rarely threw in his direction. And when they did, it normally came with complications.
It will be a big step up in class at the next level for Okudah. But there is nothing to suggest he cannot immediately transform Detroit’s fortunes in this area of the field.
Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson – WR
The Vikings might have traded away Stefon Diggs this offseason. But they drafted a player with incredible potential in Justin Jefferson. The wide receiver is coming off a prolific college campaign that ended with a national championship at LSU. And he is no stranger to the Carolina Panthers’ new offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Jefferson might not blow you away with elite speed on the field. But he is an accomplished route-runner that has the hands to match. He has a real nous of getting open quickly out of his cuts. And this is something that should see plenty of targets from quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2020.