Final roster cuts are less than a week away, and the Carolina Panthers should have a few tough decisions to make. There are some players who will further realize their dreams and some players who will have their hopes temporarily dashed.
But many will have just a handful of days left to prove their worth.
Here are four notable bubble players who need a big final week of the preseason to secure a roster spot:
WR Jalen Coker
At every training camp, there is an obsession over an undrafted free agent who many assumed would’ve been selected in April. Coker is this year’s cult favorite.
So far this summer, the Holy Cross star has flashed his ball skills and route-running ability against cornerbacks like D’Shawn Jamison and Lamar Jackson—players who could be considered quality depth pieces for an NFL secondary. Coker, however, has yet to stand out in preseason action or play at a consistently dominant level during practices.
Understandably, the 2023 First-team FCS All-American has his fair share of supporters amongst the Panthers faithful. But if he doesn’t shine in Buffalo this Saturday, he may have to latch on elsewhere—especially with fellow Carolina wideout Terrace Marshall Jr. impressing this summer.
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
This may come as a surprise to many, but Smith-Marsette has become a bubble player in a surprisingly competitive receiver room.
Smith-Marsette is a talented player. He is the only true speedster on offense, and was a valuable gadget player and punt returner for Carolina in 2023.
This sounds like someone who might be a near-lock on the roster given his unique skills and potential on special teams. Yet, Marshall Jr. and David Moore may have been making better impressions off their play—possibly clouding Smith-Marsette’s chances at the bottom of the depth chart and as a returner.
OT Ricky Lee
Lee’s eye-opening 2023 preseason landed him on last year’s roster. But now that the Panthers have invested quite a bit into their offensive line, the youngster could be on the outside looking in.
The second-year hog molly still has a skill set worthy of keeping. He’s nimble, quick off the ball and has an explosive kick-step that allows him to reach his landmarks in pass sets.
Yet, he may not possess the requisite size or length to be consistent or successful at tackle. Lee lacks the upper and lower half strength to stand up power rushes and to anchor down with a strong knee bend and a rock-solid core.
EDGE Derrick McLendon
Carolina’s pass-rushing department has needed its players to step up this summer, particularly after a setback in free-agent signee D.J. Wonnum’s recovery from quad surgery. Thus far, second-year outside ‘backers DJ Johnson and Eku Leota have really answered the call.
But there is a player from this group who has impressed me with his effort in all phases—and that’s McLendon, who has stood out on special teams as well as against the run and the pass. And while the undrafted free agent from Colorado hasn’t had the flashes that Leota has piled up, his play style cannot be overlooked.
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