3 Panthers players who need to step up in Eli Apple’s absence
By Dean Jones
Rasul Douglas
The Carolina Panthers were clearly hoping that Rasul Douglas would be released by the Philadelphia Eagles. They lucked out in this sense when the organization got him off the waiver wire and his familiarity with some staff members is something that will be of use as he looks to make his presence felt immediately.
Douglas is a former third-round pick who has been hit and miss during his career so far. TheEagles had plenty of problems within their secondary in 2019 and the West Virginia product failed to do enough to make the team following camp.
Picking up adds some much-needed depth to the Panthers. But Douglas could now go from potential rotational player to a member of the starting core in the event of Eli Apple’s injury.
Opposing wide receivers found it difficult to catch the ball against Douglas in 2019. The cornerback gave up 31 receptions from 60 targets last season. However, the player was responsible for some notable errors that cost his team considerable yardage.
More. 4 players the Carolina Panthers need to keep quiet against the Raiders. light
Whether Douglas can get up to speed in time to make a real difference against the Las Vegas Raiders is up for debate. The Panthers do have seventh-round pick Stantley Thomas-Oliver III and undrafted free-agent Myles Hartsfield if they do not like what they see from their new recruit. But throwing them to the wolves at this stage of their development is a significant gamble that would have severe ramifications if it doesn’t pay off.