With signings finalized the Carolina Panthers reached terms with thirteen undrafted free agents (UDFA) who are currently competing for spots in camp. It's far too easy two write off these players as 'camp bodies' or throw aways, but in reality often these are players who are lacking just a couple of elements to their game. We have numerous examples of players who were able to put it together and become valuable players- from Kurt Warner and Wes Welker to Panther favorite Brad Hoover. I will be breaking down our UDFA crop four players at a time in this thee part series.
Warren could have the best story of all the Panthers' UDFAs. Barely on the radar for the 2011 draft, he wowed scouts when he was asked to assist 1st round pick Blaine Gabbert with his pro day. The result was the small school receiver shooting up draft boards only to finish undrafted. As it stands, he could be the most likely UDFA WR to make the roster.
2010 stats: 109 receptions, 1,458 yards, 20 TD
More after the jump
At 6'5", 253lbs Tatum is a DE on the smaller side, but that doesn't mean he can't make an impact for the Carolina Panthers. In a game against Rutgers (pictured) Tatum closed out the 2010 season with a dominating 7 tackle, 2 sack performance. With DE depth very much in the air he could earn himself a spot.
2010 stats: 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 FF
A big, primarily run blocking TE, Greg Smith didn't get many opportunities at Texas. Unfortunately, this is a situation where that same scenario could be echoed in the NFL as he will have to be fighting Ben Hartsock for the 3rd TE spot, which is an unenviable position. That being said, a good camp could put him on the practice squad to become the #3 when Jeremy Shockey's contract is up.
2010 stats: 9 receptions, 60 yards
Smith is definitely the most puzzling out of the UDFA signings. An extremely promising WR out of high school, Smith missed the entire 2007 and 2009 seasons due to injury. The result of this is a 24 year old UDFA who really hasn't mad much college experience. It seems the Panthers were willing to roll the dice and hope he still shows the potential he had when he was a top 100 recruit.
2010 stats: 1 reception, 9 yards
Next installment will feature Anthony Santella, Ryan Pugh, Adi Kunalich and Thomas Keiser