5 Panthers players who need to step up in Year 2 with the team
By Dean Jones
Troy Pride Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
Drafting two cornerbacks this year didn’t exactly scream confidence in Troy Pride Jr. The former Notre Dame speedster went through some significant problems when he saw the field in 2020 for the Carolina Panthers and the jury is still out as to whether or not he can become a viable piece of the rotation moving forward.
Pride Jr. has a lot of nice athletic traits to call upon, but it’s clear he is a work in progress until further notice. His lack of ability in coverage was there for all to see and his poor production was further reflected in a dismal 39.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, which was among the worst for player at the position.
The Panthers let Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder go in free agency, replacing them with former Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye, Keith Taylor Jr., and No. 8 overall selection Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina. This obviously puts Pride Jr. further down the pecking order in terms of opportunities, so it’s a huge offseason for the player in his second year.
If Pride Jr. can show enough during team drills and the preseason to earn a spot on the rotation, then he’ll be on a short leash after last year’s struggles. Rookie corners do tend to go through more turmoil than most against wideouts who punish every mistake, but how they respond wiurth a little more experience under their belts is crucial.
This might give Pride Jr. a pass providing he demonstrates growth in Year 2. If he doesn’t and others on the roster perform far better, it will cast some serious doubt on his long-term aspirations in Carolina.