The Athletic's "Undrafted Player to Watch"

[Mr. Scot]

Carolina Panthers: Luke Kandra, G, Cincinnati

An explosive guard, Kandra (6-5, 320) has enough power (33 bench-press reps at the combine) to bully defenders at the line. He’s a decent-enough mover to hang on either side of the center and works to overcome some flexibility issues with discipline and effort. Kandra took center reps during Hula Bowl practices. Carolina will also get a look at UCF WR Kobe Hudson and Miami WR Jacolby George.

 

Link: Best Undrafted Free Agent Fits for 2025

[shaqattaq]

With Zavala and Mays' improvement last season, It'll be exciting to see how this guy adjusts to the NFL with our o-line coaches. With Mays and Corbett on 1 year contacts, we may be looking at him at center.

[*FreeFua*]

I’m excited to see how Kingston looks in camp/pre season this year 

[Khyber53]

Center is such an important position and one that is way too downplayed. And while this guy is strong, has he got the brains to do the job? A smart center with a high football IQ to boot can make a QB's life much, much easier.

 

[kungfoodude]

10 minutes ago, Khyber53 said:

Center is such an important position and one that is way too downplayed. And while this guy is strong, has he got the brains to do the job? A smart center with a high football IQ to boot can make a QB's life much, much easier.

 

Eventually we will be forced to quit fuging around at center and find an actual long term solution. It's inevitable.

[shaqattaq]

6 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

Eventually we will be forced to quit fuging around at center and find an actual long term solution. It's inevitable.

I really had high hope that Bozeman would be that answer. Solid player and all-around good guy. 

Still looking...

[Panthers Rhule]

1 hour ago, shaqattaq said:

With Zavala and Mays' improvement last season, It'll be exciting to see how this guy adjusts to the NFL with our o-line coaches. With Mays and Corbett on 1 year contacts, we may be looking at him at center.

That's a big ass center! Is there any center in the NFL that weighs 320 lbs? Also, we drafted a center last season. Not sure this guy is a center even if he took reps at the senior bowl. Looks like a guard to me unless his build is better suited to a lesser weight. In a zone scheme centers need to be able to move quickly. 

 

I just googled it and in 2023 the average was 306 lbs but the heaviest was 336 lbs so i guess it's possible. 

 

Edited 18 hours ago by Panthers Rhule

[kungfoodude]

3 minutes ago, shaqattaq said:

I really had high hope that Bozeman would be that answer. Solid player and all-around good guy. 

Still looking...

He just didn't fit with what we were attempting to do at the position. TBQH, he was an average to below average guy. Hence why Baltimore moved on. 

Sucks it didn't work out but we have been searching for The Guy since Kalil retired. 

Gross Search 2.0

[Bear Hands]

I won’t pretend to know his game well but did select him in R4-5 a fair amount in PFF mock drafts haha. Score!

[shaqattaq]

53 minutes ago, Panthers Rhule said:

That's a big ass center! Is there any center in the NFL that weighs 320 lbs? Also, we drafted a center last season. Not sure this guy is a center even if he took reps at the senior bowl. Looks like a guard to me unless his build is better suited to a lesser weight. In a zone scheme centers need to be able to move quickly. 

 

I just googled it and in 2023 the average was 306 lbs but the heaviest was 336 lbs so i guess it's possible. 

 

Yeah, I was more or less just wondering aloud. Maybe we can put him on that Nic Scourton diet.

[MHS831]

4 hours ago, Khyber53 said:

Center is such an important position and one that is way too downplayed. And while this guy is strong, has he got the brains to do the job? A smart center with a high football IQ to boot can make a QB's life much, much easier.

 

He sounds like a RG, LG, and then C--in that order. but neither of our current centers were centers in college (I don't think).  I think of this way---"if he practices center for a year on the PS..."

[bythenbrs]

4 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

Eventually we will be forced to quit fuging around at center and find an actual long term solution. It's inevitable.

I wish it were so…

[MHS831]

I am pretty excited about several of our undrafted free agents-- Mike Reid (CB from SDSU), Bam Martin-Scott (LB So Carolina), Jared Harrison-Hunt (DE SMU--6.5 sacks, 47 tackles, ran sub 4.9 40--that is an Evero pass rushing DE), Issac Gilford (FS Nebraska) 73 tackles at 6'1" 205; Ryan Fitzgerald (K FSU) who should win the job; Luke Kandra (G-Cincinnati) and Michael Tarquin, (OT, Oklahoma)--they (to me) have shots at making the roster and I would not be surprised to see several on the PS.

[Khyber53]

15 hours ago, MHS831 said:

He sounds like a RG, LG, and then C--in that order. but neither of our current centers were centers in college (I don't think).  I think of this way---"if he practices center for a year on the PS..."

Let's hope so. I love seeing undrafted players prove themselves to be stars in the making.

If there was ever a team to do it on, the Panthers would be it.