4 players Carolina Panthers can’t risk sneaking on practice squad

Players the Carolina Panthers can’t risk sneaking on the practice squad: Rodney Smith (RB)

Another player coming into camp with ambitions of making the roster is running back Rodney Smith. The undrafted prospect is Minnesota’s all-time leading rusher and boasts a wealth of experience within the college system.

This was another player that had solid claims for a mid-to-late round selection in 2020. But the disappointment of not hearing his name called didn’t last long before he was snapped up by the Carolina Panthers.

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While it appears unlikely that Smith will gather any immediate carries with the presence of Christian McCaffrey and Reggie Bonnafon. One could argue that he has a chance of making the No. 3 position his own despite the presence of Mike Davis and Jordan Scarlett.

Smith is a very fluid runner and is accomplished out of his cuts. However, the player lacks the sort of burst that one normally associates with a back at the next level. How he is used initially during his time in Carolina will tell us plenty about his long-term outlook.

Should the Panthers try and stash Smith on the practice squad, then it would allow another team to claim him. And this is a real possibility given his proven record of production and the level of interest that came his way in undrafted free agency.

Carolina has a big decision to make regarding Smith, who does have some intriguing skills at a position where the top-two places are cemented.