In non-draft news, the Panthers claimed defensive tackle Robert Thomas off waivers from the Miami Dolphins, the team announced today, adding another defensive tackle in less than 24 hours. The Hog Mollies just keep on coming folks.
Thomas was an undrafted free agent for the Washington Redskins in 2014 and spent most of the year on their practice squad. Following that year, he went from Seattle to Miami and spent time on both of their practice squads. Thomas figures to be a camp body, but it's certainly curious to see the Panthers making free agent moves smack dab in the middle of the draft.
As far as the draft goes with this move, I highly doubt that this indicates that Gettleman won't go ahead and take another defensive tackle if the value is there. Currently, Thomas joins a group with five guys that should make the roster next year already in Kawann Short, Star Lotulelei, Paul Soliai, Kyle Love, and the shiny new first rounder Vernon Butler. I'd say he's playing for a spot on the practice squad, but stranger things have happened.
Needless to say, DG's dream of fielding a defense of solely defensive lineman is inching closer to fruition.