Top 3 Panthers Camp Sleepers of 2015

[Jeremy Igo]

The Carolina Panthers Training Camp last season introduced us to guys like Andrew Norwell and Corey Brown. Two undrafted free agents who ended up making major contributions to the playoff run of 2015. 

So who will be the sleepers this season? Well, here are my best pre-camp guesses.....

 

1. Damiere Byrd - WR South Carolina

While small in stature, Byrd has the physical gifts that the Panthers need, namely pure speed. During OTA's, Byrd connected with the Panthers backup quarterbacks for multiple long bomb touchdowns. This local kid has what it takes to shine in camp this year if given the opportunity. Given the uncertain future of Stephen Hill and his recent transgression, Byrd may just get that chance. 

2. Lee Ward - FB Stanford

I love me some Lee Ward. A bruising throwback fullback who punished his opponent as he lays waste. While not the most glamorous or highlight generating position, the pure blocking fullback is something I would love to see added to the Panthers arsenal. He would also aid in protecting Cam Newton given the unknown skill level of the Panthers 2015 left tackle Michael Oher. 

3. Dean Marlowe - S  James Madison

You haven't read much about Marlowe until now, but that could quickly change. If there is one position on the Panthers roster that an immediate impact could be made, it would be Safety. Marlowe saw plenty of snaps in OTA's and looked sharp. If he can also contribute in Special Teams he may be able to carve out a roster spot. Not an easy accomplishment for an undrafted free agent on this Panthers squad. 

 

So there are the top 3 young guys I am hoping can make an impact. Who are yours? 

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[nctarheel0619]

Awesome sleepers, that will all be on the Practice Squad.  

[Ricky Spanish]

What about the DB from Clemson? Think he can beat out White or Houston for one of the last roster spots at CB?

[Jeremy Igo]

What about the DB from Clemson? Think he can beat out White or Houston for one of the last roster spots at CB?

Didn't play one single snap in OTAs due to injury. 

[nctarheel0619]

Kony Ealy will step his game up this year.

Artis-Payne (because well, RBs always look good in TC)

I expect Mayo to look good.  How could he possibly screw this up?  He's learning from the best tandem in football.

 

[SCP]

Agree 1,000% on Ward and Marlowe. Some were surprised that Marlowe didn't get drafted.

[SCP]

Kony Ealy will step his game up this year.

Artis-Payne (because well, RBs always look good in TC)

I expect Mayo to look good.  How could he possibly screw this up?  He's learning from the best tandem in football.

 

Bigger impact in 2015, Mayo or Shaq?

[nctarheel0619]

Bigger impact in 2015, Mayo or Shaq?

I think Mayo's impact on Special Teams will be underrated.  I think Shaq will have the bigger impact all in all, but I think it will be minimal at best.  

[Murrican]

Rooting for Lee Ward, would love to see a true fullback leading the charge for J Stew.

[juliosantos]

brian blechen

brandon wegner 

marcus ball 

[SetfreexX]

I think I’d like to see Byrd win the KR spot, with Lee replacing Brockel, and as far as Marlowe is concerned I can live with Harper, and Coleman splitting duties at strong safety, while Marlowe develops on the PS.

[KB_fan]

In case it's helpful, here's a table with all the rookies and the players with < 2 years experience.  Players highlighted in bold are Carolina Draft Picks.

	Rookies & 2nd Year Players						30-Jul-15
No	Name	Pos	Ht	Wt	Age	Exp	College
34	Artis-Payne, Cameron	RB	5'10	220	25	0	Auburn
50	Blechen, Brian	LB	6'2	225	23	0	Utah
18	Byrd, Damiere	WR	5'9	175	22	0	South Carolina
17	Funchess, Devin	WR	6'4	225	21	0	Michigan
29	Marlowe, Dean	S	6'1	205	23	0	James Madison
55	Mayo, David	LB	6'2	240	21	0	Texas St.
71	Miley, Arthur	DE	6'6	265	22	0	Southern
76	Miller, Steve	DE	6'3	260	23	0	Ohio State
26	Peters, Garry	CB	6'0	200	23	0	Clemson
62	Redden, Terry	DT	6'2	295	21	0	Memphis
54	Thompson, Shaq	LB	6'0	230	21	0	Washington
46	Ward, Lee	FB	5'11	250	23	0	Stanford
32	Wegher, Brandon	RB	5'10	215	24	0	Morningside
60	Williams, Daryl	T	6'6	335	22	0	Oklahoma
65	Alecxih, Chas	DT	6'4	295	26	1	Pittsburgh
37	Byndom, Carrington	CB	6'0	180	23	1	Texas
85	Childers, Jamie	TE	6'4	250	27	1	Coastal Carolina
77	Cox, Rakim	DE	6'4	260	24	1	Villanova
83	Lucas, Marcus	WR	6'4	235	23	1	Missouri
62	McCray, Jordan	G	6'3	320	23	1	Central Florida
10	Presley, De'Andre	WR	5'10	190	25	1	Appalach St.
72	Regis, Micanor	DT	6'3	330	25	1	Miami (Fla.)
80	Simonson, Scott	TE	6'5	250	23	1	Assumption
22	Young, Lou	CB	6'1	205	23	1	Georgia Tech
39	Ball, Marcus	S	6'1	220	28	2	Memphis
13	Benjamin, Kelvin	WR	6'5	245	24	2	Florida St.
25	Benwikere, Bene	CB	6'0	195	23	2	San Jose St.
11	Bersin, Brenton	WR	6'3	210	25	2	Wofford
33	Boston, Tre	S	6'1	210	23	2	North Carolina
16	Brown, Corey	WR	5'11	185	23	2	Ohio State
94	Ealy, Kony	DE	6'4	275	23	2	Missouri
63	Foucault, David	T	6'8	320	26	2	Montreal
57	Glanton, Adarius	LB	6'1	230	24	2	Florida Atlantic
68	Norwell, Andrew	G	6'6	325	23	2	Ohio State
52	Reddick, Kevin	LB	6'1	240	25	2	North Carolina
70	Turner, Trai	G	6'3	320	22	2	LSU
	Wallace, Davonte	T	6'3	315	23	2	New Mexico St
77	Wallace, Martin	T	6'6	330	25	2	Temple

 

[Dunn]

Im honestly excited to see Glanton step up, he looked fast....REALLY fast in games last year.  Interested to see him learn a bit more and contribute.

[!stUp]