Panthers No. 78: Woodrow Hamilton’s window of opportunity

There seems to be a window of opportunity for Woodrow Hamilton with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, but can he take advantage?

The countdown is now well and truly on to the Carolina Panthers’ return to the field in a competitive environment. We are now just 78 days away from the scheduled start. And everything looks to be proceeding as planned despite ongoing concerns in the current climate.

This will be a welcome boost to all that want things to start on time. The Carolina Panthers could be impacted more than others by any more changes. But the team is putting together contingency plans in the event things are put back.

It promises to be a fascinating season for everyone associated with the Panthers. The team has a vibrant and youthful look about it. But with this comes the obvious inexperience that might cost them in crucial situations throughout the campaign.

New head coach Matt Rhule will be all-too-aware of this. So it is vital that the former Baylor man sets his team up in the right possible way in order to play to their strengths.

Continuing our countdown feature ahead of the Panthers’ week one clash against the Las Vegas Raiders, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 78. Woodrow Hamilton has been seen as a bit-part player during his time in the NFL so far. But there could be an opening for a starting role with the organization in the near future.

The Panthers look set at the defensive tackle spot with No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown and returning veteran Kawann Short. Carolina’s run defense was absolutely abysmal in 2019. And these two alone should bring around a swift turnaround in fortunes.

Hamilton is projected to be No. 3 on the depth chart providing sixth-round selection Bravvion Roy doesn’t blow the coaching staff away during training camp or the preseason. But he is lacking in experience besides a brief time with the New England Patriots in 2016.

Carolina Panthers: Can Woodrow Hamilton become a valued member of the rotation?

There is a lot to like about Woodrow Hamilton’s skillset. But it is hard to gauge just what sort of impact he can have with the Carolina Panthers due to his lack of chances so far.

This includes barely seeing a down for the Panthers in 2019. And it is vital he makes the most out of this potential opening during what is the final year of his deal.

Much will depend on how much Hamilton can impress the coaching staff in the lead up to week one. But Bravvion Roy does need some work and free-agent signing Zach Kerr is coming off an inconsistent year with the Arizona Cardinals.

Hamilton might not get a window of opportunity like this again. He is running out of chances to earn a rotational spot in the NFL. And this is the most pivotal campaign of his career to date.

Much like most players striving to be on the team, Hamilton has some likable traits and inconsistencies in equal measure. Phil Snow is more capable than most of bringing the best out of someone like the former Ole Miss product. But whether that will be enough is another matter entirely.