Utah Star Joins Carolina Panthers

Once the 2015 NFL Draft concluded, many players did not hear their name called.  However, that does not mean they will not be able to contribute on an NFL team once the season begins.

These players consist of the undrafted rookie free agents whom teams select once “Mr. Irrelevant” has been selected.  Think about it though, not being selected in the draft and securing a spot on a team can still bring greats.

Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, Antonio Gates – all players acquired AFTER the draft was complete in their respective years.  Last time I looked, these players were not guys who were just in the league – these guys can be put into the category of some of the best players of all time.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Now comes the question we all want to know.  Who will be the player the Panthers have signed after the draft, who will become someone of Moon, Warner and Gates’ quality?  Has he been picked-up yet by the Panthers, or is he still out there waiting to be signed.  Being the Panthers have not made many selections yet, I think they have already found the guy who will have an impact once practice starts and will be on the roster once training camp ends.

Current undrafted free agent selections consist of cornerback Garry Peters, defensive back Brian Blechen and defensive tackle Authur Miley.  What makes these guys special?  The answer to that question is Brian Blechen is going to be the one who rises above those not drafted and the reason is, he went to the University of Utah.  Well, why is that special?  Think of the players who have been on the Panthers roster who also attended Utah:  past greats, offensive tackle Jordan Gross; defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu; wide receiver Steve Smith; and current great, defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.

That is not too bad of a group to be in and Blechen fits the mold.  He was Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 in 2014, 2012 and 2011, while missing the entire 2013 season while injured.  Brian’s grandfather, Bob Blechen, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1956 as well.  It is now key that Brian comes into training camp and replicate his college days, in order to show the Panthers coaches the rest of the NFL overlooked him and Carolina is the place meant for him.

It seems to me the Panthers have a strong history of turning those players from Utah, into quality players who have an impact for many years.