Re-grading the Panthers 2018 NFL Draft class after three years
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
Donte Jackson might have suffered his problems with injury this season. But when the cornerback has been at full health, there is little doubt he is a real difference-maker for the Carolina Panthers.
The former second-round pick out of LSU has the speed to keep up with any wide receiver in the business, even though Jackson’s decision-making let him down over his first two seasons. However, his game has come on leaps and bounds over the last year and there is every chance he can lock up the No. 1 corner option long-term after the Panthers opted to let James Bradberry walk in free agency to the New York Giants.
Draft Grade: A
Providing the injury bug doesn’t strike Jackson once again in 2021, then there is every chance he can build on a positive series of displays down the stretch. This will come with some substantial financial reward, with the player entering a contract year.
Rashaan Gaulden – DB
The Panthers made the strange move to trade up and take another cornerback in Rashaan Gaulden despite selecting Jackson with their previous pick.
To say this decision didn’t exactly work out would be something of an understatement and of all Marty Hurney’s selections during his second stint as Carolina’s general manager, this is arguably the worst.
Draft Grade: F
Gaulden lasted a little more than 18 months with the Panthers before being released. He went on the New York Giants but didn’t manage to make any sort of impression and spent the 2020 campaign as a fringe member of the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster.