RB Jordan Todman, Jacksonville Jaguars
Physical:
Todman is small, at 5'9" and 200 pounds, but has 4.4 40 speed and solid quickness. He will not run anyone over but has routinely displayed the ability to make big plays in the open field.
Play Style:
The running back out of UConn has just 111 carries for 450 yards and 3 touchdowns since being drafted in 2011. As a kick returner, Todman has averaged 27.4 and 25.6 yards on kickoffs (39 total returns) during the last two years. His vision and impressive speed allow him to exploit holes in kickoff coverage.
What He Could Bring to Carolina:
Todman represents little more than depth at the running back position, especially given his limited play time there in the NFL as well as his lack of experience either catching the ball out of the backfield or in pass protection. However, Todman is an excellent special teams player and has ranked among the NFL's elite kickoff returners the past two years.
Contract Details & Grade:
1 year, terms undisclosed
B-; Todman's contract is likely for the veteran minimum for a player with his service time, much like many of the recent Panthers signings. Todman represents an upgrade at kick returner, but the Panthers already signed a return specialist earlier this season in Ted Ginn, Jr. Additionally, Todman is not the quality of running back to eventually develop as a starter. His primary - if not sole - contribution will be on special teams.
LB Jason Trusnik, Miami Dolphins
Physical:
At 6'4" and 252 pounds, Trusnik is a big, scary man. He ran a 4.67 40 at the combine when coming out of Ohio State University - as a defensive end - and does not look to have lost much of that speed.
What He Could Bring to Carolina:
Trusnik is a special teams ace and was a captain for that phase of the game for the Dolphins last season. He also started a few games at linebacker and should be capable of providing solid depth at the linebacker position, similar to the role Chase Blackburn filled previously.
Contract Details & Grade:
1 year, terms undisclosed
B+; The Panthers had perhaps the worst special teams unit in the NFL last season. Dave Gettleman and friends have dedicated themselves to rectifying this issue thus far in the offseason. Trusnik can become the leader of all four special teams units; the Panthers could go from basement-dwellers to league leaders in special teams performance.
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