Undrafted Panthers rookies always become one of the most interesting parts of training camp. Every offseason, a few players work their way into the roster conversation, even if most eventually land on the practice squad or rotate through the back end of camp.
This year’s group is especially interesting because Carolina still has legitimate competition at several spots near the bottom of the roster.
The Nickel corner remains unsettled. The backend of the receiver room is still pretty fluid. The Panthers also value players with special-teams versatility under Dave Canales, which opens the door for those who can handle multiple responsibilities.
Even though the Rookie minicamp does not decide roster spots, it can clarify where opportunities exist.
A few undrafted Panthers already look like players worth monitoring heading into OTAs and training camp.
Which Undrafted Panthers Rookies Have the Best Chance to Make the Roster?
Devonta Smith Could Become the Most Important Undrafted Panthers Rookie
If there is one undrafted player with a clean path to a roster battle, it may be Devonta Smith.
The Panthers are still trying to sort through the nickel corner position entering the summer. Chau Smith-Wade and Corey Thornton are expected to compete there after both flashed at different points last season, but Carolina has not fully locked down the role long-term.
That creates an opening.
Smith’s background gives him a legitimate chance to stay in the conversation. He played in a zone-heavy system at Alabama before transferring to Notre Dame, where he handled significantly more man coverage responsibilities. Carolina values defensive backs who can function in multiple coverages, especially inside.
There is also the special teams component.
For any reserve corners trying to make the roster, having special teams value often matters just as much as defensive upside. Smith spent a large part of his college career contributing there, and that experience could help separate him from other fringe defensive backs later in camp.
The Panthers also continue prioritizing size and versatility in the secondary. Smith fits the general mold Carolina has targeted under this coaching staff.
He does not need to win a starting job immediately to make the roster. He simply needs to prove he can hold up inside defensively while contributing across multiple special teams units.
That is a realistic path.
Ja’Seem Reed Is Another Undrafted Panthers Rookie Worth Watching
Receiver is one of the hardest positions to crack as an undrafted rookie because of the sheer number of bodies teams carry through camp.
Still, Ja’seem Reed quietly helped himself during rookie minicamp.
Several observers noted his catch radius and ability to adjust to off-target throws during drills. Physically, he looked similar to Chris Brazzell II at times, especially when working outside the numbers.
The bigger factor working in Reed’s favor may be familiarity.
He already has experience around the organization and familiarity with receivers coach Rob Moore. For players competing for the WR5 or WR6 roles, understanding the offense and operating cleanly in practice can matter a great deal.
The challenge is the numbers game.
Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Brazzell are all expected to occupy roster spots. The Panthers already signed John Metchie III for a 1 year, $1.9 million contract, which puts some investment for the organization.
Carolina will also likely keep players capable of contributing as returners or core special teamers.
That probably leaves Reed competing for a practice squad role unless he forces the issue during preseason games.
Still, the Panthers have shown a willingness to keep developing bigger receivers with catch-radius upside. Brycen Tremayne worked his way into the conversation last offseason through consistent camp performances. Reed may be trying to follow a similar path.
Where Haynes King Fits Among the Undrafted Panthers Rookies
Haynes King became one of the more talked-about undrafted players after rookie minicamp because of the way teammates and coaches responded to his leadership.
After an inconsistent first day throwing to receivers, King reportedly organized additional walkthrough work outside practice to clean up timing and communication. That kind of initiative matters for developmental quarterbacks.
The Panthers appear to value his maturity and approach.
The bigger question is roster construction.
Historically, teams are often hesitant to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster unless the third player offers either long-term developmental upside or immediate utility. Carolina also has Bryce Young firmly entrenched as the starter.
That makes the practice squad the cleaner projection right now.
Physically, King still needs development. Some outside observers have floated Taysom Hill comparisons because of his athleticism, but he currently lacks the size and play strength that made Hill capable of handling multiple offensive roles early in his career.
For King to seriously threaten the 53-man roster, he would likely need a very strong preseason. That probably means protecting the football, creating plays outside structure, and showing enough growth as a passer that another team might consider claiming him if Carolina exposed him to waivers.
That is not impossible, especially given his mobility and experience level.
But for now, practice squad development feels like the most logical outcome.
Building Depth
The Panthers are still building out the depth of the roster, which creates some opportunities for undrafted players to compete for meaningful roles. Around half of the NFL is made up of former late-round picks and undrafted free agents, so roster spots are often earned by players who simply continue developing after the draft process ends.
Carolina also places a heavy emphasis on versatility under Dave Canales. Players who can contribute on offense or defense while also helping on special teams tend to stick around longer, especially near the bottom of the roster.
That matters for players like Devonta Smith and Ja’Seem Reed, both of whom bring traits that fit what the Panthers value structurally.
The Panthers do not need these players to become immediate starters. They need dependable depth, developmental upside, and players capable of helping the roster function across multiple phases throughout the season.
Every training camp, a few undrafted players force their way into that picture. Carolina’s roster still has enough open competition for that to happen again this year.
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