The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a rebuild. While veteran free agency and the NFL Draft have brought in strong reinforcements, some undrafted free agents (UDFAs) shouldn’t be overlooked as potential contributors. The Panthers have 16 undrafted rookies on their roster, many of whom were notable names during the pre-draft process. These players participated in last week’s rookie minicamp, joining the team’s seven draft picks for their first taste of the NFL.
Given the Panthers’ current situation, they can’t afford to ignore any talented players, even those overlooked in the draft. General Manager Dan Morgan and Head Coach Dave Canales, in building their first roster together, would do well to keep an eye on these underdogs. Here are six undrafted free agents who appear to have a leg up in earning roster spots this summer:
WR Jalen Coker Coker arrives in Carolina with considerable buzz for a UDFA. The standout from Holy Cross amassed 31 receiving touchdowns and 2,715 receiving yards during his FCS career and impressed at the East-West Shrine Game. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound playmaker joins a wideout room in heavy transition, with Adam Thielen the only returning receiver guaranteed a major role in 2024. Coker has a chance to make the roster if he can outperform former second-round pick Terrace Marshall. Excelling on special teams will be crucial for Coker to stick around.
WR Sam Pinckney Like Coker, Pinckney enters a wide receiver room in flux. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Pinckney’s size is intriguing. Over his two years at Coastal Carolina, he recorded 143 catches for 2,023 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Greenwood, S.C. native will need to best both Coker and Marshall on special teams to carve out an early role. Pinckney’s size could give him an edge if the Panthers seek a red-zone weapon who can develop into a more significant role player.
C Andrew Raym The center position has been a hot topic this offseason. The Panthers plan to move former starting right guard Austin Corbett to center to replace Bradley Bozeman, but there’s concern about the lack of a proven, natural center. Raym could become that guy if he earns a spot this summer. He will need to outperform Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala, and Nash Jensen to secure a place on the 53-man roster.
DE Popo Aumavae The Panthers lack depth on the defensive line entering the offseason program. While they signed A’Shawn Robinson in free agency and selected Jaden Crumedy in the sixth round of the draft, the group still has limited numbers. Robinson, Derrick Brown, Shy Tuttle, LaBryan Ray, and Nick Thurman are the top five linemen, but Crumedy, Aumavae, and Ulumoo Ale will compete for a potential sixth spot. Aumavae stood out during rookie minicamp drills.
QB Jack Plummer Plummer’s status as the third quarterback puts him in a unique position. While Canales has expressed interest in a veteran No. 3 quarterback, the Panthers have yet to add such an experienced arm. Plummer needs to prove his staying power to change Canales’ plans. Although rookie minicamp didn’t go as well as Plummer hoped, he wasn’t among the initial cuts. As an older rookie, nearly two years older than starter Bryce Young, Plummer could offer some youthful wisdom. He needs to be outstanding the rest of the way, but he has a chance if the Panthers decide to keep three quarterbacks.
K Harrison Mevis The Panthers aim to test starting kicker Eddy Piñeiro this summer. Piñeiro is signed through the upcoming season but is only guaranteed $150,000, making it feasible to cut him in favor of Mevis, who signed as a UDFA last week. Piñeiro has struggled with injuries the past two summers and failed to finish last season due to an ailment. If Mevis outperforms Piñeiro this summer, the Panthers might opt for the cheaper, younger option at kicker.
As the Panthers continue their rebuild, these six undrafted rookies have clear paths to making the 2024 roster, offering a blend of potential and opportunity in various positions.
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