4 Carolina Panthers who have exceeded expectations at camp
By Dean Jones
Omar Bayless – WR
Undrafted players entering the NFL this year are on a hiding to nothing. There will be no preseason games to make a lasting impression. And this puts even more pressure on them to make the most out of every team drill at training camp.
Some players will thrive under the spotlight more than others. And judging by the start Omar Bayless has made with the Carolina Panthers. It is evident that this is a challenge the rookie is relishing.
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Confidence was high from Bayless’s perspective after an exceptional final season with Arkansas State at the college level. He emerged as one of the country’s most prolific wideouts. And this is something that is serving him well so far at the next level.
It did appear somewhat bemusing that Bayless didn’t hear his name called during the 2020 NFL Draft. This was arguably the deepest wide receiver class in recent memory. And there are some questions regarding the player’s ability to get open consistently against more talented cornerbacks.
This does not appear to have deterred him so far. The likes of Jeremy Chinn and head coach Matt Rhule were glowing in their praise for Bayless and the impact he has made at camp. So there is little doubt that he has exceeded expectations to date.
Whether this will be enough to make the 53-man roster is another matter entirely. But Bayless has done his chances of forging a career in the NFL the world of good regardless.