Re-grading Carolina Panthers 2019 NFL Draft class after two years
By Dean Jones
Pick No. 6
Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OL
- Draft grade – C-
The 2020 season will always be tinged with a case of what might have been for Dennis Daley. He was projected to be a day one starter on the interior with Chris Reed on the reserve/COVID-19 list but was unable to take his place in the lineup due to injury.
This significantly hampered his ability to work his way into the rotation, with the Carolina Panthers opting to use Reed for the most part despite his less than stellar production. Daley endured a torrid time as a rookie – when he was thrown to the wolves on the edge – but there was real hope a switch to guard would be the making of him.
The 2019 sixth-round selection played well in the 140 snaps Daley saw the field. He gave up just one penalty and didn’t concede a sack to secure an eye-catching 64.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. But what comes next for the player remains to be seen.
Pick No. 5
Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB
- Draft grade – B
It was a rocky start to the 2020 season for Jermaine Carter. Head coach Matt Rhule admitted there was a clash of personality between the two that left the linebacker on the outside looking in for the first half of the campaign. And had it not been for the distinct lack of production from free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead, we might not have seen him at all.
As fortune would have it, the Panthers had no other option other than to put Carter into the lineup at the expense of Whitehead, who was one of the biggest disappointments of the season in no uncertain terms.
Carter knew this was probably his only chance to make an impression.
And he grabbed it with both hands.
The energy and playmaking ability displayed by the 2019 fifth-round pick was extremely encouraging. His presence also enhanced the production of Shaq Thompson alongside him and although Carter might have to fight once again for the No. 1 spot this offseason, he’s put himself in a tremendous position.