NFL Predictions 2020: One surprise rookie gem who will star for each team

Carolina Panthers: Troy Pride, CB

New Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has already started to put his fingerprints on the roster. Known for being able to build an impressive program at the collegiate ranks, Rhule is re-tooling the Panthers as he has started to form a defensive-minded team with a ground-based offense.

Out is Cam Newton and in is Teddy Bridgewater who will likely defer to Christian McCaffrey — who just signed a massive extension. This doesn’t mean Bridgewater can’t deliver when needed, but the offense has the look of a conservative team that will try and keep the ball away from the opponent with a high-IQ quarterback and one of the best running backs in the NFL.

For this to work, Rhule has to have a great defense and he showed his commitment to that by spending all seven picks in the 2020 NFL Draft on defensive players. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown was their prized pick but they also had two second-rounders, which brought in defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and safety Jeremy Chinn.

In the fourth, they ended up with Troy Pride from Notre Dame who looks the part of an NFL defensive back but has to put it all together and find some consistency. With the right coaching, which he should have in Carolina, he could develop into a solid starter, making him a great value pick at No. 113 overall.