Panthers Undrafted Rookie Becoming Favorite to Steal Veteran's Job

Panthers undrafted rookie Harrison Mevis, affectionately referred to as the 'Thiccer Kicker' following his time as a Missouri Tiger, is turning heads at training camp and is quickly becoming a potential favorite to take veteran kicker Eddy Pineiro's job.

Mevis was an intriguing prospect as soon as he was signed and has been even better than advertised, drilling kicks with remarkable accuracy during Panthers OTAs (offseason team activities).

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Mevis was once again perfect on his field goals during practice. With Pineiro still missing from the optional workouts, Mevis is taking full advantage of his opportunity.

Undrafted Rookie K Harrison Mevis Shining at Panthers OTAs

After gaining notoriety by setting an SEC record with a 61-yard field goal in Missouri's third game last season, a win over Kansas State, Mevis quickly became ione of the most well-known college kickers in the country.

Pineiro has been solid for Carolina, though this is the last year on his contract. He made 25-of-29 kicks last year and missed three extra points. A journeyman throughout his career, Pineiro's job is not set in stone.

If Mevis continues his surge and displays this kind of accuracy, Pineiro is certainly a cut candidate. The NFL's new kickoff rules give an advantage to kickers who can make tackles, and Mevis didn't earn his 'Thiccer Kicker' moniker for no reason. He's nearly 250 LBs compared to Pineiro's 190, so Mevis could have extra value.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if Mevis steals this job. I'll be keeping a close eye throughout the mandatory minicamp on this new battle, as will the Panthers' coaching staff.

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