Lesson 10: Veteran Archaeology 207

Tomorrow is the NFL Veteran Combine. Could there be a player participating that could fit a spot on the Panthers roster? I am not suggesting that GM Dave Gettleman can find a player deserving of a spot on the 53 man roster for next season, but there could be a player or two worthy of being brought to training camp.

DE Jamaal Anderson

Anderson has been a massive disappointment since being drafted #8 overall in the 2007 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. His best season came in 2011 with Indianapolis, when he managed 24 tackles and 3 sacks in 15 games (1 start). Listed at 6'6" and 280 lbs, Anderson possesses the size the Panthers like to have in defensive ends that they can push inside on passing downs. I do not know how the Veteran Combine will function, but if Anderson can come in and show well, he could be worth an non-guaranteed minimum contract to see if he could push someone like Frank Alexander off of the roster for the fifth DE spot. Bringing in Anderson would not necessarily preclude the Panthers from drafting a DE in the upcoming draft either. This could be the sort of low-risk, sort-of-high-reward move (I am not expecting him to challenge Kony Ealy for a starting spot) that Gettleman loves to make.

CB / S Jordan Sullen

Sullen was an undrafted free agent last year coming out of Tulane University. He went to camp with the Broncos and was among the final cuts before landing on Chicago's practice squad for a short time. Sullen is a former wide receiver who played both safety and cornerback at Tulane. He defends the deep ball better than his 4.60 40 time would suggest, as he excels at tracking the ball. Sullen also has some experience returning kicks. On the Panthers roster, Sullen would compete with the likes of DeAndre Presley and Robert Lester for a spot as a depth defensive back and special teams player.


I am well aware that neither of these players gets the blood flowing so to speak. However, the Panthers have to fill out a 53 man roster during the regular season, so should they not do so to the best of their abilities? Increasing and improving competition cannot, in my opinion, hurt a team. Complacency and resting on one's laurels can.

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