The hard work didn't stop for Dan Morgan once the 2024 NFL Draft concluded. A big part of the later rounds is gauging the landscape to see which prospects could potentially become free agents. Calls are frantically made in the hope of finding some overlooked diamonds that can potentially be molded into valuable contributors over time.
There are countless examples throughout NFL history of undrafted players going on to have successful careers. In some rare cases, they reach the pinnacle - the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Whether the Panthers have one on their hands this spring is debatable, but it's an intriguing group nonetheless.
Undrafted free agents are like playing with house money. If they work out, it's fantastic and can be a real asset to any team. If not, then positions on the practice squad can be filled by those who the Panthers feel need a little more time to hone their craft.
Looking at the reported signings made by Carolina so far, which undrafted free agents have the best chance to steal a roster spot with the Panthers in 2024?
Harrison Mevis - Carolina Panthers K
The Carolina Panthers are not harboring any emotional attachment to their decision-making process this offseason. Dan Morgan and Dave Canales are looking to increase competition and raise standards across the organization. Another example of this arrived when those in power made kicker Harrison Mevis one of their high-priority additions during undrafted free agency.
Mevis is a well-built individual who became something of a cult hero during his time in Missouri. He's got a huge leg - as demonstrated by his career-high 61-yard field goal. The prospect's field goal percentage stands at 83.5 with 99.3% of his extra points made, so there's a lot to like about his chances of giving veteran starter Eddy Pineiro a run for his money.
Pineiro's production was solid if not spectacular last season. He's currently recovering from an injury and is entering the final year of his deal. Unless he rises to the occasion in the wake of Mevis' arrival, this could be one of the more interesting battles to watch when offseason preparations ramp up.
Andrew Raym - Carolina Panthers C
Although the Carolina Panthers seem confident in Austin Corbett's ability to make a successful transition to the center position in 2024, many analysts projected those in power to pick up a long-term option from an extremely deep draft class for offensive lineman. Dan Morgan opted to focus on the offensive skill positions and enhance defensive depth instead.
This was a gamble, to put it mildly. Corbett has the experience and proven credentials to potentially make a go of things, but the former second-round pick has never won a center starting job outright and has yet to take a competitive NFL snap at the position. Therefore, it's not hard to see what complications could emerge.
That's not accounting for the two serious knee injuries suffered by Corbett in consecutive seasons. Morgan revealed that Brady Christensen had also been taking snaps at center, which adds to his versatility but doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Andrew Raym could change all that if he impresses Carolina's coaching staff throughout the offseason. He's a proven center during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners, is a former four-star high school recruit, and has 22 starts in two seasons after replacing Creed Humphrey.
Raym is a little rough around the edges, but his physical attributes indicate further improvements can arrive quickly. He's a well-coordinated blocker with decent lateral movement for a man his size. The prospect also enhanced his pre-snap recognition and ability to communicate this across the protection during his final college campaign.
The player is raw from a technical standpoint in pass protection. Raym needs to improve the speed at which he gets into his sets and react better to differing interior pass-rushing moves. This causes the undrafted free agent some confusion at times and can lead to penalty infringements.
That said, it's not costing the Panthers much to find out whether Raym's talent can be molded into the primary backup option behind Corbett when the time comes to finalize Carolina's 53-man roster in 2024.
Popo Aumavae - Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers didn't do much to enhance their nose tackle options during the 2024 NFL Draft. This has been an overlooked need for two straight offseasons since Ejiro Evero switched to a creative 3-4 base scheme. Shy Tuttle remains the starter, so those in power believe he can perform better with two exceptional forces alongside him in the form of Derrick Brown and A'Shawn Robinson.
Regardless of whether Tuttle shines or not, the Panthers need a contingency plan in the event he cannot raise performance levels. The Panthers spent a late-round selection on Jaden Crumedy, but he's seen more as a 3-4 defensive end rather than someone capable of clogging up space on the interior.
This was a head-scratcher, especially considering the options available throughout the draft. Carolina picked up Popo Aumavae when the undrafted free-agent frenzy began, which could provide the Panthers with a backup option capable of assisting providing his transition from college to the pros goes smoothly.
Aumavae's dealt with some injury issues throughout his college career at Oregon, but at 6-foot-2 and more than 300 pounds, he could be utilized as a nose tackle option if some extra mass is added. He's disruptive with heavy hands, but the prospect does have trouble shedding blocks once early momentum is lost.
Looking at Carolina's current options, it seems like Nick Thurman is the backup nose tackle behind Tuttle until further notice. He's also a former undrafted free agent, so if Aumavae outperforms him throughout camp, a situation could emerge where the Panthers
give him a shot.
Everyone has to earn their spot under Dave Canales' new coaching regime. Aumavae will get a legitimate chance just like everyone else, but whether he has enough as an older rookie coming into a league that takes no prisoners is another matter.
Make no mistake, Aumavae won't be found wanting for effort that's for sure.
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
Surrounding quarterback Bryce Young with enhanced options across the board has been the biggest priority above all else for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Those in power invested heavily in offense throughout free agency. The same trend continued early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Panthers moved up one spot to select wide receiver Xavier Legette. They also traded up for Jonathon Brooks to jump ahead of the Dallas Cowboys, who were reportedly keen on bringing the running back into the fold. Carolina also secured the services of Ja'Tavion Sanders at No. 101 overall - an athletic tight end with assured hands who could be an asset in the passing game right out of the gate.
This should give Young a much better chance of showcasing his outstanding skill set. Dan Morgan also picked up Jalen Coker during the undrafted free-agent frenzy, who was expected to be a late-round pick but ended up not hearing his name called.
Perhaps coming from a smaller program ended up working against Coker. However, he's a smooth route runner who knows how to manipulate opposing defensive backs and find soft spots to keep the chains moving.
Coker isn't the fastest, but he's extremely intelligent. There's a sharpness to his route breaks and his credentials in contested catch situations are a sight to behold. This is matched by exceptional body control and sideline awareness - traits that also come in handy during red-zone situations.
It will be a steep step up in class for Coker, so this move could go either way. Tempering expectations for undrafted free agents is wise until further notice. One only has to see the example of Omar Bayless to see how starring throughout the preparation period doesn't necessarily lead to genuine production in a competitive setting.
There could be an opening for Coker if he leaves a good impression. Especially given the uncertain status of Terrace Marshall Jr., who seems further down the pecking order than ever before.