5 Panthers players entering the last chance saloon in 2022 camp
By Dean Jones
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers took a flier on Stantley Thomas-Oliver in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This resulted in the cornerback earning a spot on the team and carving out a solid role for himself on special teams, but there is a new coach in Steve Wilks to impress this time around and an exceptional amount of young talent also fighting for depth chart position in training camp.
Thomas-Oliver does have some solid experience to call upon. He also knows what’s expected from defensive coordinator Phil Snow when push comes to shove.
However, it’s hard to look at the Florida International product’s chances with much optimism. Although that might change with a standout showing at Wofford College.
Considering where the Panthers took Thomas-Oliver, it’s been encouraging more often than not. But with Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson, Keith Taylor Jr., and C.J. Henderson all ahead of him currently, he’ll have to catch the eye in a big way during practice and whatever reps come his way in the preseason.
Perhaps Chis Tabor’s influence gets Thomas-Oliver onto the roster given his production on special teams – an area of the field that Carolina values highly in their fringe guys. But there is just no telling for sure.
In all honesty, if Thomas-Oliver made the roster this time around, it would be his best achievement to date. One that could be the confidence boost he needs entering Year 3 of his professional career.