Panthers No. 46: Will Cam Sutton’s athleticism earn a roster spot?

Can undrafted free-agent tight end Cam Sutton make his athleticism count in pursuit of a place on the Carolina Panthers’ 53-man roster?

The Carolina Panthers are now just 46 days away from their return to the field. Everything seems to be going according to plan regarding the NFL beginning on time. But the current climate might dictate that things alter further in the coming weeks.

There are little expectations for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. This is to be expected given their roster overhaul and a new coaching staff with no real experience at the next level. And their plight hasn’t been assisted by no face-to-face time together before training camp.

Virtual OTAs will no doubt have benefitted them from a theoretical perspective as a new scheme is being implemented by head coach Matt Rhule. But with no preseason games to further hone their chemistry. Things might get worse before they get better in Carolina.

Unproven prospects have their work cut out making the 53-man roster this season with almost no time to showcase their skills. And it is probably the worst time for those on the bubble to begin their journey in the NFL.

Continuing our countdown series ahead of the Panthers’ week one clash against the Las Vegas Raiders, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 46. Cam Sutton is an undrafted tight end that saw little action during his two years at Fresno State. But he did enough to impressive decision-makers within the organization to get his chance at making the team.

Why Cam Sutton’s athleticism might be useful for the Carolina Panthers

Sutton has all the makings of a complementary pass-catching tight end at the next level. He is tremendously athletic for a man his size. And there could be even more to come from the player with a little more experience under his belt.

The player caught six balls thrown his way in 2019 on his way to 112 receiving yards and a yards-per-catch average of 18.7. He also gained 34 yards rushing from two carries, which is a further indication of his elusiveness in tight windows.

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There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of depth behind No. 1 tight end Ian Thomas. So there is a window of opportunity for anyone who catches the eye during training camp.

Although the chances of Sutton making the 53-man roster appear slim from the outside looking in. The NFL always throws up some wildcards that come from nowhere to make a name for themselves.

This will be far more difficult this offseason, perhaps more than any other throughout league history. There will not be a great deal of time for fringe players to make their presence felt during team drills. So the task awaiting Sutton and others is substantial.

With practice squads set to be increased to 16 players next season, this is a realistic goal that Sutton can achieve. And if he could secure this, it will do his overall chances of a lasting career in the NFL the world of good.

His athleticism and versatility have got him this far. And although more will be needed in a professional environment. There does appear to be an opening for Sutton on the depth chart providing he impresses in the coming weeks.