The Carolina Panthers’ 2019 preseason schedule is almost over. There’s only one more to go against the Steelers, then they finally move on to the real games. The fourth and final week of the preseason is all about position battles and rookies who are trying to make the 53-man roster.
With that in mind, here are five undrafted rookies we will be watching Thursday night.
No. 21: RB Elijah Holyfield
Remember, Christian McCaffrey is essentially going to be the Panthers’ No. 1, 2 and 3 running backs. That doesn’t leave much room for the other backs to shine. Holyfield is unlikely to unseat Cameron Artis-Payne for the so-called backup job. So, his only path to the 53-man roster may be to completely outplay Reggie Bonnafon and fifth-round pick Jordan Scarlett. Holyfield has a fumble but he’s also made an impression showing up early to practice and staying late. If nothing else, he’ll make the practice squad.
No. 83: WR Damion Jeanpiere Jr.
The No. 6 wide receiver competition has been intriguing all preseason. Seventh-round pick Terry Godwin has probably done well enough as a punt returner to earn himself the spot, but he has plenty of competition. Jeanpiere has something most rookie receivers don’t: technique. That and his speed (he runs a 4.25-second 40-yard dash) are his best assets.
No. 68: G Rishard Cook
Rookie linemen Greg Little and Dennis Daley have gotten a lot of playing time this preseason and it’s been a bit of hit or miss. We haven’t seen much of Cook at all, though. He’s exactly the kind of player who the fourth preseason game benefits most. If Cook can show something in the trenches against Pittsburgh, he might earn a spot somewhere.
No. 43: LB Jordan Kunaszyk
The guy on this list who has the best chance to make the team is probably Kunaszyk, who shares an alma mater with coach Ron Rivera. Kunaszyk has flashed as an open-field tackler. However, Andre Smith and Jermaine Carter rebounded from their Week 2 outing with strong performances against the Patriots. So, the pressure is back on Kunaszyk to step up if he’s going to push one of them off the roster. If not, he’s a slam dunk for the practice squad.
No. 35: DB Corrion Ballard
Carolina’s secondary looks a lot better on paper this year than last, especially with Tre Boston taking over at free safety. That will make it tougher for rookies like Ryan Pulley and Ballard to make it. The Steelers never lack for talent at wide receiver, so Ballard should get a challenge during his time on the field.
