Carolina Panthers No. 96: Is DaVonte Lambert a dark horse in 2020?

Could DaVonte Lambert become a dark horse for the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

The Carolina Panthers boast of options within their defensive front seven following a host of moves during the offseason. This could become a real area of strength for the franchise as they look to improve on a dismal 2019.

One of the more intriguing moves made by the Carolina Panthers was to bring in edge rusher DaVonte Lambert on a one-year deal that could be worth $675,000 if he makes the 53-man roster. He comes with a significant upside despite showing out in college during his time at Auburn.

Lambert went undrafted despite accumulating 48 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble over a 20-game period for the Tigers. He did not stay on the undrafted free agent market for long and played 11 times for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his rookie year.

His progression was dealt a significant blow when Lambert dislocated his wrist and was forced to miss considerable time during his sophomore campaign. This eventually led to the player being waived. But he now has another chance to make a go of things after impressing during a stint in the XFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks.

This could possibly be Lambert’s last chance to make a go of things in the NFL. His task has not been aided by the lack of face-to-face time with Carolina’s coaching staff due to social distancing measures. So it is vital he makes an impression from the off.

How can Davonte Lambert earn a spot on the Carolina Panthers rotation?

There is little doubt that Davonte Lambert has his work cut out if he wants to make an impact with the Carolina Panthers. The roster is now loaded with players who are adept at getting after the quarterback. And Lambert might be one of those on the outside looking in if he doesn’t catch the eye of new head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator, Phil Snow.

While a starting position seems unlikely given the presence of Brian Burns, Stephen Weatherly, Marquis Haynes, and second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos. If Lambert can show what he is capable of then it might be worth the Panthers taking a shot on him as part of their 53-man roster.

It is essential that the franchise keeps its primary pass-rushers fresh during the campaign. And having capable players slotting in when needed is going to be pivotal to their overall chances of having a good year.

The onus will be on Lambert to make sure the coaching staff has no alternative other than to give him a role on defense. There is definite potential there regarding the player. But whether he can put this all together during training camp is another matter entirely.

Lambert is still only 25-years-old, so time is on his side in that sense. He is entering his prime years and needs to make the most out of this latest chance in the pros to avoid the dreaded NFL scrapheap.

The extra competition in Carolina’s locker room at the position might bring out the best in Lambert. And the impending doom surrounding a possible release should also see an increased sense of urgency.