During the seven rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft, each organization selected players they believe are talented enough to help improve their football team. However, with just over 200 selections in the draft, many valuable players are bound to slip through the cracks. That’s where UDFAs come in. UDFAs, or undrafted free agents, are players who entered their names into the NFL draft but were not selected. This makes them automatic free agents, available to sign with any team in the league. In the post-draft process this year, the Carolina Panthers scooped up five undrafted free agents, each with their own skillset and advantages. Here is a breakdown of the Carolina Panthers undrafted free agent signings this year.
Carolina Panthers Undrafted Free Agent Signings Following 2021 NFL Draft
Paddy Fisher – Linebacker, Northwestern
Paddy Fisher first made a name for himself at Northwestern during his freshman season, when he finished with 111 tackles and nine tackles for loss. This set him on the path to becoming a staple on the Northwestern defense. Over his four years at Northwestern, Fisher totaled 401 tackles and 24.5 tackles for a loss. Add on that he grabbed four interceptions and two sacks, and it’s easy to see why the Panthers signed Fisher so quickly after the draft. Being that linebacker is a position of need for the Panthers, Fisher has a decent opportunity to earn a spot on the Panthers roster.
Oscar Draguicevich – Punter, Washington State
The signing of Oscar Draguicevich is by far one of the most interesting UDFA signings for the Panthers. Coming off a season in which rookie Joseph Charlton played well, it wasn’t expected that the Panthers would bring in competition for the starting punter role. However, the Panthers opted to sign Washington State-product Oscar Draguicevich immediately after he went undrafted. The young punter averaged 45.7 yards per punt during his three years at Washington State. If Draguicevich has a strong camp, do not be surprised to see him assume the starting role for the Panthers. Charlton will need to prove his worth during the early days of training camp if he hopes to remain with the team moving forward.
Spencer Brown – Running Back, UAB
Spencer Brown looks like the perfect practice squad pickup. The UDFA signed with the team after posting 4,011 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns during his time at UAB. The former Green Dragon also averaged 4.7 yards per carry. Unfortunately for Brown, his chances of making the 53-man roster aren’t very high. With the Carolina running back room already full of players who have operated in Joe Brady’s offense, he will likely find himself on the practice squad. Nonetheless, Brown possesses an intriguing skillset the Panthers will likely want to keep around.
David Moore – Offensive Linemen, Grambling
David Moore really started to help his draft stock at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. After finishing a college career in which many assumed he’d be a quality draft pick, Moore went undrafted. But he impressed Panthers scouts during his workouts. Moore provides the team with great depth, furthering Carolina’s goal of solidifying their offensive line. If he doesn’t make the cut, don’t be shocked if Carolina keeps him around on their practice squad.
Mason Stokke – Fullback, Wisconsin
After watching long-time starting fullback Alex Armah sign with the New Orleans Saints in free agency, the Panthers knew they had to target depth at the position after the draft. Unfortunately for Mason Stokke, recently-drafted tight end Tommy Tremble also has experience at the position. According to reports, it is likely Tremble will largely be the lead fullback for the team. However, this doesn’t mean Stokke will fail to make the roster. If he shows up to camp in good shape and impresses the Carolina coaching staff, he could earn himself a spot on the backend of the team’s 53-man roster.
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