Zack

Sanchez

The Panthers drafted three cornerbacks in a row in April’s draft. Two of them, second-rounder James Bradberry and third-rounder Daryl Worley, will open the season in the starting lineup, but Sanchez will likely open the year on another roster. If he surprisingly slips through waivers, the Panthers will stash him on the practice squad.

Sanchez will take the roster spot of Bene Benwikere, who was shockingly cut on Friday. Benwikere did give up 228 of Julio Jones’ 300 yards last Sunday, but he has been a solid corner throughout his career. Now the Panthers will turn to a rookie they were willing to make available on waivers just over a month ago. This secondary will be one to target moving forward.

Sanchez made plays all over the field for the Oklahoma Sooners, but has questionable athleticism for a corner his size (5-foot-11). Sanchez was also a bit of a gambler in the Big 12, a habit that will get you burned mercilessly in the NFL. Sanchez will have to prove himself on special teams before getting a shot on defense.

Sanchez was injured in the preseason finale. Last year’s fifth-rounder, Sanchez played just 89 defensive snaps as a rookie before going to the practice squad. He could very well end up back there at some point soon.

He will revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers. A fifth-round pick in 2016, Sanchez has appeared in just five games while spending most of his career on Carolina’s practice squad. He will likely be released with an injury settlement before the season. The Panthers signed WR Bug Howard, C Kyle Friend, OG Quinterrius Eatmon, and DE Karter Schult in corresponding moves. All four were tryout players during rookie minicamp.

Sanchez (5'11/185) made 37 starts in three seasons with the Sooners, tallying a whopping 15 interceptions and earning first-team All-Big 12 as both a redshirt sophomore and junior. A difference-making college corner, Sanchez showed borderline-NFL athleticism with a 4.50 forty, 9-foot-8 broad jump, and 35 1/2-inch vertical before the draft. An undersized gambler, Sanchez isn’t big or athletic enough to hold up outside and lacks the physicality and tackling efficiency to excel in the slot. He is unlikely to grow into an NFL regular.