The Carolina Panthers have received a D- for their efforts in finding UDFAs from Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton.
Names to watch: OL Brendan Mahon, OL Taylor Hearn, QB Kyle Allen
Don’t expect to see sparks from this group.
The Carolina Panthers need a proven commodity to back up quarterback Cam Newton. The front office signed quarterback Kyle Allen among the undrafted acquisitions, but he couldn’t maintain a starting job at Texas Tech or Houston.
Brendan Mahon and Taylor Hearn may battle for a spot on the back end of the roster at guard. Both have shown power, but the latter displayed more hand usage to stand up defenders.
Hearn also shows more quickness when leaving his spot to pull on the opposite side. Mahon projects as more of a mauler who uses brute strength to stalemate a defender at the line of scrimmage or engulf inside blitzers. Keep an eye on both in a potential training camp battle.
Grade: D-
My take
I think a D- is a little harsh. I don’t think the Panthers knocked their UDFA class out of the park, by any means, but I don’t think it’s as bad as Moton makes it out to be. UDFAs are undrafted for a reason, so teams shouldn’t be expected to pick up several hall of famers from this group.
I think Carolina will find at least one decent contributor from the offensive linemen they picked up, and Reggie Bonnafon — who isn’t even mentioned by Moton — could feature in the Panthers offense at some point in 2018. While there’s no expectation whatsoever that Kyle Allen will even make the roster, if he can be anything remotely close to a decent backup quarterback then picking him up will be considered a win.
What do you think, Panthers fans? Is a D- grade fair, or is it completely off base? Share your thoughts with us!