4 encouraging signs for Panthers to take from the 2020 season
By Dean Jones
The 2020 NFL Draft class
There were plenty of eyebrows raised when the Carolina Panthers allocated each one of their 2020 NFL Draft selections on the defensive side of the ball. This was a league-first and after their first seasons at the next level, it was a shrewd decision from the front office to go in this particular direction.
Derrick Brown was the man chosen at No. 7 overall and the defensive tackle has made a huge impression during his rookie campaign. Any doubts regarding his ability to generate pressure from the interior once he got to the NFL are now firmly in the rear-view mirror and even though he didn’t have the benefit of veteran Pro Bowler Kawann Short alongside him for the majority of snaps, there was plenty to like about the way he transitioned.
Carolina’s decision to trade up and take Jeremy Chinn at No. 64 overall was an inspired one. The former Southern Illinois sensation was nothing short of phenomenal throughout the season and regardless of whether the Panthers opt to move him back into the secondary in 2021 or not, his importance to the organization is already unquestioned.
Yetur Gross-Matos has flashed some brilliance during a frustrating season due to injury and a spell on the reserve/COVID-19 list, with the late-round duo of Bravvion Roy and Stantley Thomas-Oliver also performing way above expectations at this stage of their development.
The jury is still out on Kenny Robinson and cornerback Troy Pride Jr. regarding their ability to contribute long-term. But this was an exceptional draft from the Panthers and one that will stand them in enormously good stead moving forward.