5 Panthers that improved their roster chances in 2022 preseason finale
By Luke Gray
Cade Mays – Carolina Panthers OL
Another late-round pick making an impact is Cade Mays. The five-star recruit out of Knoxville, Tennessee was selected No. 199 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and has shown the versatility that the Carolina Panthers love in their offensive lineman in such a short space of time.
Mays already looks like a shrewd draft pick with the player taking snaps at center, guard, and even tackle during the preseason. This level of adaptability across the protection means that Mays has a good chance to make the 53-man roster.
Of course, this would potentially nudge out another sixth-round pick.
Deonte Brown was a mouthwatering prospect for fans after he was taken No. 193 overall a season ago. The hulking Alabama product was expected to make an impact on the Panthers’ offensive line last season with starting right guard John Miller struggling all season, which didn’t materialize and things haven’t got much better this summer.
However, weight issues meant that Brown didn’t see the field until the regular season finale on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It seems like it’ll be a straight shootout between Brown and Mays as to who earns a spot and from performance levels this summer, the former Tennessee standout certainly has the edge.