After sending waves through the NFL with their signing of P Swayze Waters back in February, the Panthers have now added the former Raven/Bronco/Falcon Gradkowski, who has 17 starts under his belt.
Gino Gradkowski, C for the Carolina Panthers at NFL.com
Gino Gradkowski # C Carolina Panthers | Official Team Site Height: 6-3
Weight: 300 Age: 27 Born: 11/5/1988 Pittsburgh , PA
College: Delaware Experience: 5th season
High School: Seton-La Salle HS [Pittsburgh, PA]
My first thought was 'isn't he the brother of the Patriots kicker'? Wrong, close but no cigar! He is the younger brother of another NFL player but it's Steeler QB Bruce Gradkowski.
Gradkowski was drafted by the Ravens in the 4th round of the 2012 draft and started all 16 games his second season. After barely playing the following season he was traded to the Broncos for draft pick considerations. Yet the level of his play was lacking to say the least:
Ravens trade center Gino Gradkowski to Broncos - NFL.com
A fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2012, Gradkowski needs polishing. He was a problem for Baltimore in 2013, ranking dead last among the league's 35 qualifying centers, per Pro Football Focus. Game tape showed far too many breakdowns, but the hope is that Gradkowski will develop for a Broncos squad undergoing a facelift up front.
So this is a guy the Panthers hope to coach up enough to be a solid back-up behind starter Ryan Kalil. He's a project basically but we sem to like Raven OL cast offs so don't count him out too soon.