5 Panthers players who’ve risen steadily at 2021 training camp
By Dean Jones
Brandon Zylstra – Carolina Panthers WR
There is never much hype surrounding Brandon Zylstra. The wide receiver always seems to go under the radar within a positional group that’s one of real strength for the Carolina Panthers despite the absence of Curtis Samuel.
That’s just fine with him.
All Zylstra does is catch everything thrown his way and make plays on special teams. Something that sees the former CFL star primed for a roster spot for the second straight season.
This isn’t set in stone.
Zylstra needs to maintain this level of performance on the field and during drills in the next two weeks. If he manages to do this, it will make things difficult for the Panthers to leave him off their 53 when the final cuts are made.
The wideout was active for all 16 games in 2020. However, he managed to generate just four targets, three of which Zylstra brought in for 35 receiving yards.
His contribution as a special teamer was also notable and something that could tip the scales in his favor this time around.
It’s a crowded passing attack for new quarterback Sam Darnold to utilize, but don’t be surprised if Zylstra makes the team and gets an increased role in 2021.