5 players who should make the Panthers practice squad if released
By Dean Jones
Clay Johnston – Carolina Panthers LB
Clay Johnston hasn’t done much wrong this offseason. Being around the Carolina Panthers in 2020 has clearly assisted the linebacker a tremendous amount, with his energy and infectious enthusiasm something that’s come across once again throughout training camp and his time on the field in preseason games.
The coaches clearly love Johnston. His father is still on the staff and he worked with Matt Rhule and Phil Snow at Baylor for good measure.
This obviously helps his cause. But Johnston still remains a long shot to make the 53-man roster given the other options available.
It would be a blow to the player entering Year 2 of his professional career. However, it isn’t the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination.
If the Panthers do end up going with someone like Josh Bynes instead, then Johnston could find himself on the practice squad for the second straight campaign providing he clears waivers.
Johnston would then get another year around the team in some capacity, building his skills and familiarizing himself even more with the demands of NFL football before potentially playing a bigger role somewhere down the line.
Disappointment is nothing new to Johnston, who didn’t make the Los Angeles Rams last summer. But he’s already proven his worth as someone who’ll never stop trying in pursuit of greatness.