Remember the name Willie Drew.
On May 10th the Carolina Panthers announced the signings of 19 undrafted rookie free agents. While it’s rare for UDFAs to make a 53-man roster – and even rarer that they actually contribute – it can happen. Recent Panthers like Adam Thielen, Shy Tuttle, and Frankie Luvu didn’t hear their names called at the NFL draft but were able to rise up through the undrafted ranks to carve out excellent careers.
Most of the 19 UDFAs the Panthers signed this year will be released early in the roster cut process, and three were already waived after minicamp.
Here’s a couple of quick facts about the remaining defensive UDFAs before most of them are asked to turn in their playbooks. Players are segmented into three groups – NFL combine invites, those with NFL.com draft profiles, and those without NFL.com draft profiles.
I haven’t watched tape or scouted any of these players, but if I had to select a few guys who could make the Panthers roster I’d put my money on cornerback Willie Drew (Virginia State), safety Demani Richardson (Texas A&M), and linebacker Jackson Mitchell (Connecticut).
Players invited to the NFL Combine
CB Willie Drew, Virginia State. According to the Virginia State website, Drew was the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and First Team AFCA All-American. In 20 games between 2022 and 2023 he registered 74 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 34 passes defended. He projects as an average backup or special teamer at the NFL level. He has nice speed with a 4.46 40-yard dash.
Drew was also selected to play in the Senior Bowl last year. CBS Sports noted that he “really competed well” on that stage and that “from a physical standpoint, he definitely measured up well and gave scouts a glimpse into what his potential upside could be as a pro.” Walter Football really liked Drew and ranked him as the No. 27 cornerback and projected him as a Round 4-6 draft pick. Most Big Boards ranked him somewhere around No. 250 overall, so a seventh round pick.
Yes, he played at Virginia State, but he was a dominant All-American and DPOY with NFL-level speed. He probably has the best shot at making the 53-man roster among this year’s UDFAs given the Panthers need for corners.
S Demani Richardson, Texas A&M. A five-year contributor for the Aggies, he was a 2021 All-SEC Third Team selection. In 56 career games he registered 304 tackles, four interceptions, and 14 passes defended. He was a team captain in each of his last two college seasons. His NFL draft profile projects him as a candidate for the bottom of the roster or special teams and his 5.13 RAS is just so-so.
Going into last season many Big Boards had Richardson ranked somewhere around No. 200, so a late-round pick, but his profile fell as the season went along. By the end of the season he was off most Big Boards and ended closer to the No. 300 overall prospect, including No. 279 at CBS Sports. Walter Football ranked him as the No. 17 safety overall and a projected Round 5-7 pick.
Richardson has a few things going for him as a UDFA including prolonged success in the SEC, being a two-year team captain, and Carolina’s relatively weak safety room. With a good showing this summer he could make the practice squad.
Players with NFL.com draft profiles
S Clayton Isbell, Coastal Carolina. After previous stints at Illinois State and Utah, Isbell finished his college career at Coastal Carolina registering 89 tackles, eight passes defended, and three interceptions last year. His NFL draft profile lists him as a bottom of roster or practice squad candidate but his 4.80 40-yard dash and 4.04 RAS are concerning.
LB Jackson Mitchell, Connecticut. This dude’s a tackling machine. His total tackles over the last three seasons were 114, 140, and 113, including 22.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He was a 2022 Butkus Award Semifinalist, an honor that went to just 15 linebackers. His NFL draft profile projects him as a candidate for the bottom of the roster or practice squad but his 3.64 RAS is a watch-out.
Early in the 2023 season Mitchell was viewed by some draft pundits as a Top 200 prospect. But as with many UDFAs, his draft stock dropped off as the season went along until he fell off most Big Boards. Ultimately, the Panthers need linebackers and they thought enough of Mitchell to kick the tires. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him land on the practice squad.
K Harrison Mevis, Missouri. A four-year starter, Mevis was named to the Lou Groza Award Watch List for four straight seasons. He was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2021 and 2022. In 2023 he was named Second-Team All-SEC by the coaches. His NFL draft profile highlights him as a priority undrafted free agent.
Players without NFL.com draft profiles
DE Popo Aumavae, Oregon. Played five seasons with the Ducks and over his last two campaigns registered 54 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks in 26 games.
OLB Kenny Dyson, Bryant. Per Bryant’s website, Dyson earned New England Football Writers All-New England team and the Big South-OVC First Team honors. In his final college season he racked up 36 tackles, nine sacks, and 10.5 tackles for loss.
OLB Derrick McLendon, Colorado. After four seasons at Florida State he transferred to Colorado for his final season. Over his final two college campaigns he put up 51 tackles and five sacks.
DT Ulumoo “MJ” Ale, Washington. He has a quiet career with the Huskies. In 26 career games he was credited with 29 tackles and one sack.