Brandon Wegher Talks with C3 about Campaign to Make Panthers 53-man Roster

I was fortunate to catch up with Panthers running back, Brandon Wegher, after Sunday's practices.  The first round of cuts had just come out, and his name wasn't on it.  Check out this peak into his campaign to make the Panthers final roster.  You'll also find out if his fiancee can dunk and find out his new nickname consecrated by C3.  

This interview was first played on the C3 Carolina Panthers Podcast. 

Which RBs Make The Panthers? This May Surprise You

As cut-day looms and the Turk sharpens his blade, there is a battle going on in the Panthers backfield.  And according to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, there may be a surprise or two.

Rivera hints at some "tough conversations" coming on who to keep/cut in RB group

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) August 23, 2015

I suspect that the Panthers will keep five total running backs.  I see Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne as locks and that means there are three openings for for these five candidates:  Jordan Todman, Mike Tolbert, Lee Ward,  Brandon Wegher and Fozzy Whitaker.

Three That Make It:

So beyond Stewart and CAP, I see Wegher, Ward and Todman making the roster.  Why?

Brandon Wegher:  This Un-drafted Free Agent signing out of little known Morningside College in Iowa.  He was arrested for domestic abuse over an altercation with his brother and was ruled academically ineligible at a couple of schools including Oklahoma.  But all of these things look to be youthful mistakes and Ron Rivera calls him a “Diamond in the Rough.”  

I think he has a bright future as a Panther and that he makes the team as the third running back.  If you haven’t seen this, you must watch this video:

Follow former Iowa running back Brandon Wegher on his quest to make an NFL roster. "Undrafted" Season 2, premiering September 22nd on NFL Network.

Lee Ward:  This UDFA out of Stanford plays like a prune juice.  He clears everything out.  (You liked that didn’t you?)  But seriously, watch this guy, and he needs to start at Fullback.  He may be the next Brad Hoover.

Uploaded by Lee Ward on 2015-04-13.

Jordan Todman:  This is a young man that is undersized (5’9/ 198 lbs.) that has been described by Mike Tolbert as a “Tenacious Cat.”  That tenacity, and his versatility as a kick-off returner (along with his 4.4 speed) that will earn him a spot.

Why No Tolbert?

At the risk of ticking off Mike’s Momma, I believe it is time for him to go.  Don’t get me wrong, I love “Stanky Leg,” but we use him as a fullback and he is no fullback.  He would be best used as a backup running back that can come in on short yardage.  But that is not his roll here and honestly, Cam is the best short-yardage option on the team.  And let’s face it, the Panthers can save $2.4M by cutting him, and no one can argue that he is that much better than Lee Ward.  Well Tolbert’s mother may, but I can’t.  Do you think Tolbert makes the team?  

Thanks for reading and voting.  Let me know your thoughts below:

-By Mel

@PanthersDrafter