NFL Draft: Vols Rashaan Gaulden could start as a rookie
Vols Rashaan Gaulden was the first Tennessee player to be drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. Panthers fans should not be surprised by how good Gaulden can be.
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This is why you can’t listen to draft analysis from some experts. Most had Gaulden getting drafted in the fourth and fifth round. However that was not the case, the Carolina Panthers took Gaulden in the third round as the 85th pick overall.
This comes as no surprise to us, as we had the Panthers as the second best landing spot for Gaulden. And, even in a forgettable season where the Vols went 4-8, Gaulden was a bright spot and arguably the Vols best player.
By, now everyone knows the void defensive back Josh Norman left when Carolina did not fork out the money to pay arguably the best shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. Could you imagine if the Panthers still had Norman and added Vols Gaulden as well?
Last season the Carolina Panthers were stout when it came to stopping the run. They ranked third best in the NFL by only giving up 88.1 rushing yards per game. The passing defense is where they needed help. It is where you could really tell they were missing Josh Norman.
The Panthers ranked 18th by giving up 229.1 passing yards per game last season. They needed help, and they got it in Gaulden. I wrote that Vol fans could see Gaulden on the field as early as next season and with more examination, depending on how Gaulden looks in camps, he could start at the nickel next season.
Even as a rookie, Gaulden would be one of the most tough-minded and aggressive players for the Panthers defense that lacked physical play, especially in the secondary.
One thing that makes this transition easy for Gaulden is the Panthers rushing defense is already good, and they are just two years removed from a Super Bowl, even though it seems like ages ago.
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We are convinced that Gaulden and the Panthers both hit home runs in the 2018 NFL Draft. It would be an understatement to say we would be surprised if Gaulden did not turn out to be a starter for years to come.