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.
How can Bayless make the Panthers roster in 2020?
The Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver room is loaded with talent in 2020. Although they did not boost this area of the field during the draft, they made some notable free-agent additions that should help them going forward.
Robby Anderson has enjoyed a standout career to date and signed a two-year, $20 million deal that included $12 million guaranteed to prize him away from the New York Jets. Slotting him opposite D.J. Moore will give new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater two formidable outside weapons that should produce the goods when called upon.
The franchise resisted the temptation to trade Curtis Samuel during the draft. This gives Carolina a good intermediate route weapon that can come up with game-changing plays. Pharoh Cooper and Seth Roberts also penned short-term deals with the Panthers. But there could be space for a development prospect such as Omar Bayless on the roster.
The wideout was primarily used as a vertical route running in college. This is something he used to great effect despite his relative lack of speed compared to the more elite products entering the NFL this year.
If Bayless can refine his route running, then there is real potential regarding the player. He has a big frame that comes to life in the red zone, which is somewhere the Panthers could make use of him during the early stages of his development.
Much will depend on what sort of impression Bayless makes in training camp, which could get underway a lot later due to the social distancing measures surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. If the prospect can show the same application he displayed during his final year of college, he has every chance of making the 53-man roster.