The Carolina Panthers are finishing up a crucial offseason. Head coach Matt Rhule is on the hot seat after a disappointing 2021 season, and general manager Scott Fitterer can't be comfortable with his job security either. After a free agency period that was largely spent retaining talent, the Panthers entered an incredibly important draft. Carolina did a good job adding young talent to the roster, but the job didn't stop there.

 

The Panthers quickly got to work putting together one of the better undrafted free agent classes in the NFL. There are plenty of names on that list that could make the roster as a rookie, but one, in particular, stands out. Former Penn State running back John Lovett should make the roster with ease this offseason.

*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Panthers Undrafted Free Agent To Make 2022 NFL Roster

John Lovett

Lovett's numbers throughout college weren't all that inspiring, but that isn't a reason to be concerned. He has the athleticism to make an impact at the NFL level. He doesn't possess a ton of burst, but he's fast, strong, and adept at breaking tackles. Lovett has the build to add on more weight to function at an NFL level, too. Even though his technical skills need work, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Lovett develop into one of the better athletes on the Panthers, and that will certainly help him keep a space on the Carolina roster.

At first glance, running back looks like one of the most loaded positions on the Panthers' roster. However, there's plenty of opportunity at the position. Starter Christian McCaffrey is obviously one of the best running backs in the NFL, but he hasn't played a full season since 2019. Over the last two seasons, the Stanford product has only played a total of ten games. Backup Chuba Hubbard is guaranteed a roster spot and the primary backup role after a somewhat promising rookie season.

After those two players, the hierarchy gets a little muddy. Carolina signed D'onta Foreman in the offseason, but there's reason to believe he won't make a big impact. Foreman has failed to catch on with several teams in the last couple of seasons, and there's no reason to think things will change this offseason. It's likely that Foreman is more of a camp guy who could be released when the regular season rolls around. After Foreman, the roster is wide open.

While it's unlikely that Lovett plays significant snaps as a rookie, there is a chance. McCaffrey is consistently injured, and Hubbard isn't a three-down back. If McCaffrey does get hurt once again, and Foreman is cut like he should be, that gives Lovett as the potential backup for Hubbard. It is a long shot, but there is a chance that Lovett gets the chance to actually play as a rookie.

The fact that Lovett plays running back will help him make the Panthers roster. The skill jump from college ball as a running back to the big leagues is significantly smaller than other positions. There have been several running backs selected in late rounds, or signed as UDFAs, that have made an immediate impact on their teams. That should allow Lovett a better chance at securing a roster spot, even though the odds seem stacked against him.