There are only 76 days until Panthers football, so let's celebrate by talking about #76, DT Robert Thomas
Bio
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 325 lbs
Age: 25
College: Arkansas
Experience: 2 years
Career
The Panthers snuck this move in during the NFL draft, grabbing Thomas off of waivers after being waived by the Miami Dolphins. Thomas saw stints on the Redskins' and Patriots' practice squads before finding himself on the Dolphins active roster late in 2015. In his NFL debut, Thomas dislocated his elbow and was placed on IR. Thomas unfortunately was waived shortly before the NFL draft following the 2015 season, and the Panthers grabbed him right after spending their first round pick on DT Vernon Butler, because ALL YOUR DEFENSIVE TACKLES ARE BELONG TO US.
I'm fairly certain Thomas was brought in as a camp body, but with Dave Gettleman not many roster spots are guaranteed. The team currently lists 8 defensive tackles on the roster, and many of them are virtual locks to make the roster. Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short aren't going anywhere, the team just signed Paul Soliai to be their pure nose tackle, and Vernon Butler will stay because of his price as a first rounder this year. That leaves maybe one spot open, though the Panthers could use that to keep a defensive end instead of a 5th defensive tackle. Even Kyle Love, who played in every game last season and was re-signed this season, could end up off the roster. Thomas will battle Eric Crume and Chas Alexcih for practice squad spots. He should get some time to shine in the preseason, since the Panthers likely won't push Short, Star, or Soliai much.