Carolina Panthers: Can DaVonte Lambert secure a roster spot in 2020?
By Dean Jones
Can Lambert make the Carolina Panthers roster in 2020?
The Carolina Panthers made their defensive line a real priority during the NFL Draft. They picked up three players that have the capability of slotting into their rotation on the team’s new 4-3 base scheme.
Derrick Brown is a player with real potential that ended up going to the Panthers No. 7 overall. They also picked up a high-value pick in hybrid edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos in the second round.
Matt Rhule went back to Baylor to take defensive tackle Bravvion Roy with their sixth-round selection. This trio all possess a real potential and will aid their Panthers’ defense considerably.
The franchise is also expecting big things from Brian Burns in his sophomore season following a hugely impressive rookie campaign. Veteran Kawann Short is expected to return healthy after ending 2019 on injured-reserve and could make a significant impact alongside Brown.
Add to this the free-agent signing of Stephen Weatherly from the Minnesota Vikings, and the Panthers have some fresh faces who can improve the team’s defensive fortunes. General manager Marty Hurney is also high on the prospects of versatile lineman Efe Obada, which further complicates DeVonta Lambert’s potential to make the 53-man roster.
It is a loaded defensive line room that is arguably the strongest part of the Panthers’ roster currently. Lambert has his work cut out trying to add his name to the list. But Carolina’s decision-makers must like what they see from the player and few would argue he deserves another chance to earn a pro deal.
Only time will tell as to whether Lambert will be able to finally reach his potential. It is another intriguing element of what promises to be a fascinating training camp from the Panthers’ perspective.