5 USFL standouts the Carolina Panthers should bring in for 2022 camp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Chris Odom
If there was a guaranteed player from the USFL to get another NFL opportunity, then Chris Odom might be the guy. He was the league’s Defensive Player of the Year after an exceptional campaign that brought 12.5 sacks, blocked kicks, and general disruption that saw the edge rusher emerge in a class of his own.
Not only this, but Odom also has experience in an NFL environment, gaining two sacks on the Washington rotation in 2019 and was an absolute revelation for Arkansas State in college en route to 23 tackles for loss and 15.5 quarterback takedowns throughout his career.
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers could use some extra assistance from a pass-rushing standpoint. They do have one of the best young defensive ends around in Brian Burns, but depth looks slim and especially if Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes fail to meet extra expectations.
There will be more than a few teams taking a keen interest in Odom after his level of consistency. If the player pits his newfound momentum to good use, then making a 53-man roster is well within his capabilities.
The Panthers need something else, there’s no getting away from that. But they might be after a sure thing in terms of productivity rather than taking a flyer on someone like Odom when it’s all said and done.