One surprise player to make the Panthers roster at every position
By Dean Jones
Phil Hoskins – Carolina Panthers DT
The defensive front has made some outstanding strides during training camp so far. They appear to be a cohesive and dominant unit with the potential to cause some serious damage in 2021, so those on the fringes have their work cut out gaining anything like meaningful reps throughout the campaign.
Obviously, injuries could bring some complications. But the likes of Bravvion Roy, Marquis Haynes, Yetur Gross-Matos, and fifth-round pick Daviyon Nixon give the Carolina Panthers some notable depth in this particular area of the field.
Having these options could see Phil Hoskins earn a roster spot. Carolina might see him as a development project who could play a part as the campaign progresses, although the seventh-round pick has a lot of work ahead of him to reach this goal.
Hoskins is a big-bodied interior lineman who has some outstanding physical attributes. His production at Kentucky was outstanding and although he’s been injured for a short period this offseason, the defensive tackle seems to have settled in well.
That’s only half the battle, obviously. Hoskins must hold his own and more during whatever snaps come his way in the preseason, which could be enough for the rookie to make his way onto the roster right out of the gate.