Panthers: Who Is Robert McClain?
The Panthers revamped group of cornerbacks may feature many young faces, but there’s one veteran who’s still looking to prove himself.
Originally drafted by Carolina in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL draft, who knew it would be five years before Robert McClain made his impact felt in Charlotte.
These five years would be spent outside of the Carolina’s though as McClain was released following the 2010 season, spent 17 days in Jacksonville during 2011, and caught on in Atlanta for three seasons before becoming a free agent. After being waived following a training camp stint with New England to begin 2015, McClain found himself out of football until December 15th, when Carolina called back.
Seven weeks removed from being unemployed McClain was the starting cornerback for the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 and with the departure of All-Pro Josh Norman during the offseason, he could secure another starting role back with his original team.
McClain was signed following the season ending injury to Bene Benwikere and forced to learn the defensive playbook in just five days prior to Week 15 when the Panthers visited the New York Giants. Two weeks later in the regular season finale, McClain would make his presence known by recording seven tackles and picking off Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston for 24 yards, setting up a Carolina touchdown. When corner Charles Tillman suffered his season ending ACL tear during that game, McClain was cemented into the starting role opposite Norman for the playoffs.
Now the starter, McClain recorded 17 tackles and three passes defensed during the NFC Divisional Playoff, NFC Championship Game, and Super Bowl 50. One of his most memorable plays came to stall out the opening drive of the Denver Broncos with a near pick of Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl.
Proving that he can overcome adversity, McClain has remained patient throughout his career and taken advantage of the opportunities he has earned. Norman’s exit to Washington and Tillman’s current free agency have opened up another opportunity with Carolina for McClain in 2016. Even with the three cornerbacks (James Bradberry, Daryl Worley, and Zack Sanchez) added through this year’s NFL Draft trying to earn a starting spot of their own, McClain is the prime candidate to fill the void in the Panthers’ secondary.