Carolina Panthers: Can Bravvion Roy become Kawann Short’s successor?
By Dean Jones
It beggars belief that Bravvion Roy did not get an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. What the player lacks in length he more than makes up for with solidity and footwork that makes him quick off the block for a man his size.
Like most players on the Carolina Panthers’ defense, Roy is stout against the run. This is down to his exceptionally strong lower body that makes him incredibly tough to move off the line of scrimmage.
The former Baylor star does have some pass-rushing moves to call upon. But he will need some more in his locker if he is going to make an impact in this regard at the next level.
This is a great fit for Roy as Matt Rhule will know exactly what is needed for the player to maximize his potential. With the presence of Kawann Short and Derrick Brown, the pressure will be off the sixth-round pick and he can work on his game as a bit-part player on the rotation during his rookie season.
Knowing what system Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow likes to play will be a useful tool for Roy to call upon. And he gave some insight in terms of what to expect from Carolina’s defense in 2020.
"“You are going to see guys flying around. You are going to see hard-nose defense. You are going to see toughness. You are going to see responsibility. People doing what they got to do. You are going to see no miscommunication or nothing like that. That is just the way Snow and Rhule run it over there. It is just hard nose football. It’s real football.”"
The prospect of putting Roy alongside Brown as the Panthers’ long-term defensive tackle duo is mouth-watering. It all hinges on whether Roy can reach his ceiling. But there is little doubt Rhule has great confidence in the player after working with him in college.
Roy has landed on his feet with a coaching staff he knows and respects. It will now be up to him to make the most of this opportunity.