Byrd Watching is Back!

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Byrd Watching is Back!

Every year, fans fall in and out of love with certain players. We always have favorites who didn’t make the team or who we believe, given a real opportunity, could contribute positively to the team. Coincidentally, we nourish these affections as we fall out of love with guys who are approaching the twilight of their career or who we believe never fully capitalizes on their potential. I’m one of these fans.

 

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Which RBs Make The Panthers? This May Surprise You

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As cut-day looms and the Turk sharpens his blade, there is a battle going on in the Panthers backfield.  And according to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, there may be a surprise or two.

I suspect that the Panthers will keep five total running backs.  I see Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne as locks and that means there are three openings for for these five candidates:  Jordan Todman, Mike Tolbert, Lee Ward,  Brandon Wegher and Fozzy Whitaker.

Three That Make It:

So beyond Stewart and CAP, I see Wegher, Ward and Todman making the roster.  Why?

Brandon Wegher:  This Un-drafted Free Agent signing out of little known Morningside College in Iowa.  He was arrested for domestic abuse over an altercation with his brother and was ruled academically ineligible at a couple of schools including Oklahoma.  But all of these things look to be youthful mistakes and Ron Rivera calls him a “Diamond in the Rough.”  

I think he has a bright future as a Panther and that he makes the team as the third running back.  If you haven’t seen this, you must watch this video:

 

Follow former Iowa running back Brandon Wegher on his quest to make an NFL roster. "Undrafted" Season 2, premiering September 22nd on NFL Network.

 

Lee Ward:  This UDFA out of Stanford plays like a prune juice.  He clears everything out.  (You liked that didn’t you?)  But seriously, watch this guy, and he needs to start at Fullback.  He may be the next Brad Hoover.

Uploaded by Lee Ward on 2015-04-13.

 

Jordan Todman:  This is a young man that is undersized (5’9/ 198 lbs.) that has been described by Mike Tolbert as a “Tenacious Cat.”  That tenacity, and his versatility as a kick-off returner (along with his 4.4 speed) that will earn him a spot.

Why No Tolbert?

At the risk of ticking off Mike’s Momma, I believe it is time for him to go.  Don’t get me wrong, I love “Stanky Leg,” but we use him as a fullback and he is no fullback.  He would be best used as a backup running back that can come in on short yardage.  But that is not his roll here and honestly, Cam is the best short-yardage option on the team.  And let’s face it, the Panthers can save $2.4M by cutting him, and no one can argue that he is that much better than Lee Ward.  Well Tolbert’s mother may, but I can’t.  Do you think Tolbert makes the team?  

 

Thanks for reading and voting.  Let me know your thoughts below:

 

-By Mel

@PanthersDrafter