Carolina Panthers 2020 draft class gets high praise two years on

Pro Football Focus recently lavished some significant praise on the Carolina Panthers 2020 NFL Draft class after two years into their professional careers.

It seems like some time ago now, but it’s easy to forget that the Carolina Panthers made history during the 2020 NFL Draft. For the first time anywhere in the league, one organization spent every single selection from the college ranks on the defensive side of the football – something that was a surprise but undoubtedly needed at the time ahead of Matt Rhule’s opening season at the helm.

There was an obvious need to improve the offensive line that didn’t come to fruition. But one cannot argue that this might end up being a fantastic draft based on what we’ve seen from those picked by the Panthers over the opening two years of their time at the next level.

Although the Panthers finished with five wins once again in 2021, there was a lot to like about the way some of this draft class applied themselves and developed. Something that recently came in for high praise from Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, who re-graded every 2020 NFL Draft class in a recent article.

Before we get to what was said and how much Carolina’s grade improved, let’s take a look at how Rhule and general manager Marty Hurney went with their particular selections.

• Round 1: Derrick Brown – DT
• Round 2: Yetur Gross-Matos – DL
• Round 2: Jeremy Chinn – S/OLB
• Round 4: Troy Pride Jr. – CB
• Round 5: Kenny Robinson – S
• Round 6: Bravvion Roy – DT
• Round 7: Stantley Thomas-Oliver III – CB

Carolina Panthers 2020 draft class got an improved grade from PFF

All seven remain on the roster, which is a feat in itself considering Hurney’s been replaced with Scott Fitterer, and the Panthers have been extremely active chopping and changing their options over the last year.

Sikkema changed his initial grade of B to an A- following some slight improvements made by the likes of Brown, Gross-Matos, and Chinn – with many others also occupying key rotational roles during their sophomore campaigns.

"“Though small in their improvements, both Brown and Yetur-Gross Matos played better in 2021. Brown improved his overall defensive grade from a 61.0 to a 64.1, and Gross-Matos improved his overall grade from a 54.7 to a 63.9. With those two players trending upward and the incredible value the team got with Jeremy Chinn, and I’d still call this one of the better hauls from 2020.”"

Chinn was an absolute sensation as a rookie and carried this on despite switching back to safety in Year 2. Brown came in for some undeserving criticism from Rhule and was even benched for one game, but his response to this was outstanding and hopes are still high ahead of a crucial third season for the Auburn product.

There was a lot to like about former Penn State edge rusher Gross-Matos’ production across the defensive line down the stretch. The same can also be said of Robinson, who could have a bigger part to play after producing a series of fine displays to end 2021.

Doubts remain about Pride, Roy, and Thomas-Oliver’s potential to make additional strides. But overall, this was a strong group of players that the Panthers can rely on moving forward.

The task for Carolina right now is rectifying mistakes in other key positional groups. Offensive line reinforcements are absolutely essential and there are also the lingering doubts surrounding Sam Darnold under center following his trade from the New York Jets that could also see the Panthers go in a different direction.

It promises to be an intriguing offseason, to put it mildly. But fans can relax safe in the knowledge their 2020 draft class could be set for bigger and better things.