Panthers draft: Can Frederick Mauigoa make the roster in 2020?
By Dean Jones
How can Mauigoa make the Panthers roster in 2020?
If Frederick Mauigoa wants to make the roster next season, he is going to have to show considerable promise during training camp. The Carolina Panthers draft may not have selected an offensive lineman. But this is an area they added to prominently during free agency.
The likes of John Miller and Michael Schofield were brought in at guard in an attempt to fill the void left by Trai Turner, who was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung.
Matt Paradis is expected to get another starting opportunity despite a 2019 season that was littered with inconsistencies. He will be backed by Tyler Larsen, although the player is expected to harbor ambitions to push for the center job on opening day.
This might leave Mauigoa on the outside looking in. But that is normally expected of an undrafted free agent. And there will at least be a chance he can make head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady sit up and take notice before the 53-man roster is decided.
Mauigoa possesses a high football IQ that is a standout trait to his game. What he lacks physically he more than makes up for in awareness and footwork. But the power aspect is going to ultimately determine whether he will be given a developmental role with the Panthers.
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It is a crucial time for college players looking to find work in the NFL. Few will actually make it to anything more than the practice squad and it will be up to Mauigoa to make the most out of whatever time he has to impress.