Carolina Panthers: Three under-the-radar combine standouts team may draft
By Luke Tucker
As the 2020 NFL Combine closed on Sunday, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was in attendance as the top prospects participated.
Following the conclusion of the NFL combine, teams and coaches are now that much further in their pre-draft evaluations. First-year Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was in attendance for the first time as an NFL coach, and offered his insight on the current status of quarterback Cam Newton. Rhule stated that while Newton isn’t yet football-ready, he would love to have the former MVP on the roster in September. As a result, the Panthers’ quarterback situation seems cleared up, at least for now.
On top of saying he wants Newton on the roster, Rhule also stated that when he’s healthy, he is a “great quarterback.” The rookie head coach made it clear that he isn’t going to rush the 30-year-old quarterback back into action; however, he also praised Newton’s dedication to getting back to full strength. Newton has spent time in Charlotte rehabbing from the Lisfranc injury that ended his 2019 campaign after just two games, and is reportedly expected to pass his physical this month. Rhule made it clear he wants Newton as his quarterback, but he also made it known that he will be evaluated as will every other player on the current roster.
Aside from the Newton situation, Rhule constantly referred to the ideas of “process” and “building” at the combine. Aspects of Rhule’s “process” includes revamping the training rooms and sports sciences programs, focusing on the draft and free agency, and perhaps most importantly, evaluating all personnel. Fortunately for Rhule, the combine gave him an up-close look at more than 300 of the nation’s top prospects. When asked about his mindset while at the combine, Rhule stated that rather than looking for the most talented player, he believes selecting the player with the best traits to fit the team is more important. With that being said, here are three under-the-radar combine standouts that the Panthers could draft in April.