5 grave errors that cost Marty Hurney his job with the Panthers

The Rashaan Gaulden pick

Marty Hurney has hit some home runs with his top-end NFL Draft selections in recent years. But Rashaan Gaulden is not one of them.

The cornerback was a surprise selection by the Panthers at No. 86 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. This was just one round after Carolina opted to go with LSU speedster Donte Jackson at the same position when there were obvious and more pressing needs elsewhere.

To say things didn’t work out with Gaulden would be something of an understatement. The former Tennessee standout struggled significantly to generate any sort of momentum – which is not uncommon for rookie corners during their transition to the next level – and he was subsequently released during the 2019 campaign.

Gaulden is still in the league, transitioning to safety with the Las Vegas Raiders. But he has featured in just one game and been a relative non-factor since departing the Panthers.

This was an absolute bust, there is no getting away from it.

5 best gifts that Marty Hurney leaves the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers relieved general manager Marty Hurney of his duties, but he leaves behind plenty of gifts that should stand them in good stead.

The overall quality of both the 2018 and 2019 drafts from Hurney left a lot to be desired. Even though the 2020 class looks far more promising, the damage had already been done in the general manager’s pursuit of getting a new contract.