5 Panthers players on the hot seat at training camp in 2021
By Dean Jones
Troy Pride Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
There appears some doubt as to whether Troy Pride Jr. will be healthy enough to participate in the early portion of training camp. This would be a bitter blow to the cornerback’s chances of carving out a role for himself with the Carolina Panthers in 2021, to put it mildly.
The former speedster out of Notre Dame was seen as a raw prospect coming out of college. Something that came to fruition during his time on the field last season.
Pride Jr. was exposed multiple times in coverage and judging by how much Carolina strengthened their options at corner this offseason, the player needs to make a significant leap forward to force his way into the team’s plans.
It’s unclear if Pride Jr.’s place on the roster is under threat. But it going to need a huge effort from the second-year-pro in pursuit of earning a prominent spot on the rotation.
Missing any time at camp wouldn’t be the greatest start for Pride Jr. It’s also worth remembering that he was not a Scott Fitterer draft pick.
The cards are stacked against the 2020 fourth-round selection. It will be a stern test of character and how Pride Jr. responds to this will go a long way to determining just what his long-term future will be in Carolina.