Panthers draft: Can Jordan Mack make the roster in 2020?
By Dean Jones
Can Mack make the Panthers’ roster in 2020?
Jordan Mack has everything Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule seems to covet in a player. He is energetic, versatile, and plays with ruthless aggression that makes him a dark horse to make the team in 2020.
Injury prevented him from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine and this played a significant part in his name not being called. However, Mack does have some useful traits that can make a transition to the next level if given the opportunity.
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He possesses superb straight-line speed and has become adept at getting after the quarterback from the inside linebacker position since he converted from safety. Mack is also able to cover across the middle when needed to good effect.
The prospect also has tremendous instincts and a high football IQ. He was a shortlist for the William Campbell Trophy during his time in college, which is a testament to his overall intelligence that transitions well into on-field matters.
There are some elements of his game that need considerable work, as is the case with most undrafted free agents. Mack doesn’t have the imposing size one would normally associate with an inside linebacker in the NFL. And he doesn’t really have the physicality at the point of attack to stop runners from gaining additional yards.
This is something that can be coached up. And Mack will also be spending far more time in the weight room whenever training camp gets back underway due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Panthers draft team made sure their defense in 2020 is going to be lively and fun to watch. This is going to come with mistakes against high-class opposition. But if Mack wants it bad enough then he will be given a chance to make one of the spots his own.
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Mack does have potential. It’s how the player gets that across to the Panthers’ coaching staff in what little time he has that will determine his overall fate.