Carolina Panthers drafted two players from Senior Bowl last year
Carolina Panthers drafted two Senior Bowl participants last year.
The annual Reese’s Senior Bowl kicks off this weekend in Mobile, Alabama as many of college’s top prospects perform in live football action for the last time before training camp. Two rosters full of NFL dreams collide and the Carolina Panthers, along with every other team in the league, will be on hand to watch.
Beginning in the days prior to the actual game, teams can meet with players and each prospect is measured in terms of height and weight. Two NFL staffs are also on hand to coach each side with the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers given the opportunity this season.
Last year the Panthers selected two Senior Bowl invitees during the NFL Draft held in the spring. Tight end Ian Thomas and defensive end Marquis Haynes were both fourth-round picks and each earned their way onto the active roster during the season.
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Thomas played in all 16 games with six starts and scored touchdowns in the final two contests. Replacing an injured Greg Olsen, Thomas had to adapt quickly to the NFL and seemed to gain confidence with more experience.
The veteran Olsen is expected back next season, but Thomas seemed to earn the respect of offensive coordinator Norv Turner and quarterback Cam Newton. If so, more two tight end sets may be deployed in the future.
On the opposite side of the football, Haynes didn’t receive near the same amount of playing time. At a crowded position, he made an appearance in four games earning four total tackles. However, with the future of Julius Peppers up in the air and a lack of consistent pressure all season – Haynes should have plenty of opportunities at finding ways to contribute next season.
This year there are a number of positions the Panthers are focused on and a few key prospects to watch during the game. Offensive line, linebacker and safety are all positions general manager Marty Hurney will likely focus on throughout the offseason.
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The 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl kicks off on Saturday (1/26) at 2:30pm ET on NFL Network.