Carolina Panthers: Can UDFA Omar Bayless make roster in 2020?
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers could have picked a real gem in undrafted free agency with the pickup of talented wide receiver Omar Bayless.
It proved to be a defense-heavy NFL Draft for the Carolina Panthers The franchise became the first in history to use every selection on the defensive side of the ball, which was welcome given their concerning lack of depth in this particular area.
They invested a lot on offense in free agency on the likes of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and wide receiver Robby Anderson. The new arrivals did not stop after the draft, with Carolina bringing in a total of 17 undrafted free agents to compete for a place on the roster.
One of the most eye-catching pickups was gifted wide receiver, Omar Bayless. The prolific player enjoyed a sensational final year within the college system that saw him ranked among the country’s best in yards gained.
Bayless was in electrifying form throughout the campaign on his way to 93 receptions for 1,653 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also managed to achieve a lofty 17.8 yards-per-catch average.
The Arkansas State produce was second in the FBS for receiving yards. He also ranked third in the country for touchdowns.
His outstanding season also brought with it some exceptional individual accolades. Bayless won 2019 Sun Belt Player of the Year and was named Sporting News All-American 2nd Team, Walter Camp All-American 2nd Team, and AP All-American 3rd Team.
The prospect was a notable omission from the NFL Draft. But he didn’t last long on the free-agent market and Bayless should be one of the stories to watch during the Panthers’ training camp.