Carolina Panthers: 4 undrafted free agents who could make the roster

Rodney Smith – RB (Minnesota)

Another eye-catching undrafted free-agent signing is Minnesota’s standout running back Rodney Smith. The player comes into the NFL following a tremendous 2019 with the Gophers and has an outstanding skillset.

Smith achieved 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns from 13 games last season. He projects to be more of a one-cut runner with some explosiveness to get short yards. The player runs nasty and would provide a nice foil for the Carolina Panthers to have going forward.

All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey recently signed a four-year deal and it is imperative that the franchise does all it can to get their money’s worth for the entirety of his deal. If they can avoid using their prized asset in short-yardage running situations, the better it will be for their long-term hopes.

That is where someone like Smith can come in. While he is a smooth runner, the back is not the speediest and does have some trouble finding yards after contact against bigger lineman.

His ball security is adequate and there is plenty of potential where Smith is concerned. He also fills the Panthers’ need for kick-returner after the incoming recruit averaged 15.3 yards per return during his four seasons in Minnesota.