Carolina Panthers camp: 4 players to bring in for tryouts
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Earl Watford – OL
There remains some uncertainty surrounding the interior protection for the Carolina Panthers. They are projected to have two new starters at the guard spots. And center Matt Paradis has enormous pressure on his shoulders as he looks to bounce back in 2020.
The decision-makers might be happy to go with what they have. But any boost the team can get in this area of the field will be a bonus. If they feel the need to bring in someone else with experience to possibly compete for a starting spot, then they should look no further than Earl Watford.
The lineman played well during his four starts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. He did not give up a sack from 322 snaps on his way to a 64.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. And Watford is an intriguing option at the very least.
Watford has been an adequate performer during his career after he was taken in the fourth round back in 2014. All the player is probably looking for at this point is a chance to make a 53-man roster. So it wouldn’t cost the Panthers anything more than the veterans’ minimum.
Bringing him in for a tryout might be more beneficial than it looks. And pitting him against No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown and Kawann Short during drills would enable the organization to figure out what sort of impact Watford could make to their fortunes.