How is the Carolina Panthers 2020 draft class shaping up year on?

How is the Carolina Panthers 2020 NFL Draft class shaping up just one year after they moved from college to the professional ranks?

Although the class of 2020 has spent just one season as full-time professionals, it’s never too early to start judging how things are shaping up. The Carolina Panthers placed a lot of faith in their rookies last season, with the large majority receiving some meaningful reps that are sure to stand them in good stead moving forward.

Some players thrived with substantial responsibility from the word go.

Others wilted under the pressure and will take some time to develop into consistent performers.

That is the nature of the beast and something the Panthers were undoubtedly aware of. Head coach Matt Rhule knows far more about his first series of selections thanks to throwing them in at the deep end, which was a baptism of fire against older and more experienced opposition.

This youth movement was a drastic measure Carolina opted to go down. But few would argue it wasn’t needed after the organization lacked purpose or a sense of direction before Rhule’s arrival.

Carolina Panthers receive impressive 2020 draft re-grade from Pro Football Focus.

Michael Renner from Pro Football Focus recently re-graded every team’s NFL Draft class after their opening campaigns. The Panthers were initially given a B grade for their selections shortly after the final pick was made, which now sits at A- after a promising season for the group in difficult circumstances.

Renner outlined a major reason for Carolina’s new and improved grade was the contribution of Jeremy Chinn, who put together a season that was more than worthy of winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year before it was eventually awarded to Chase Young of the Washington Football Team.

"“Nabbing Chinn at the end of the second round is what bumps up the Panthers’ grade. Despite a mild missed tackle problem as a rookie, he showed out as a playmaker. Chinn racked up 30 stops and a 64.4 coverage grade on the season.”"

Chinn was absolutely incredible, of that there is little doubt.

But the Panthers have plenty more reasons to be encouraged regarding this group.

Derrick Brown looks a stud in the making at defensive tackle, with the former Auburn standout proving beyond all doubt he was the right call at No. 7 overall.

His numbers were hugely impressive despite being double-teamed on almost every play. So the chances of further progress are high for Brown with more in the way of talent around him in 2021.

Second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos showed glimpses of outstanding play during a year that was frustrated by injuries and a spell on the COVID-19 list. Hopefully, with a little more luck, the former Penn State prospect can become a key part of the pass-rushing rotation next time around.

Two other players that looked the part at times were Bravvion Roy and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III. Both far exceeded expectations of late Day 3 selections and with a little more refinement to their respective games, they could play a huge part in the coming years.

The jury is still out on Troy Pride Jr. after struggling at cornerback, with Kenny Robinson facing a huge fight to make the roster after he was cut as a rookie before being brought back.

All in all, it was a very strong recruiting class for the Panthers. If they can have similar or even better production from their 2021 prospects, then a potential playoff spot might not be too far away.