The Panthers made roster moves in the wake of NFL cut day, claiming two undrafted rookies on waivers: safety/cornerback Demetrious Cox from the Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Brad Kaaya from the Detroit Lions. The moves start to address the depth issues at two key positions after the team cut longtime third-string QB Joe Webb and multiple pieces from their defensive secondary to trim their roster to 53.
Quarterback Brad Kaaya was a three-year starter at the University of Miami and seems to have the mechanics and intelligence necessary to be a successful NFL quarterback, but must work on his accuracy and strength to excel at the next level. He did play in a pro-style offense at Miami, and is a pocket passer who plays well in rhythm based offenses. Riot Report analyst Vincent Richardson had him ranked as the third-best quarterback in the 2017 draft class. Kaaya is perhaps best known as the son of the actress who played Felicia in the film “Friday”; let’s hope he’ll be saying “Hi” to the endzone soon.
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Demetrious Cox played both safety and defensive back at Michigan State and excelled during the preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals, flashing with an interception and three tackles in their preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cox looks to fill the role vacated by the departed Dezmen Southward and Damian Parms, a backup safety who can contribute in special teams as both a blocker and in coverage. He wraps up well, but sometimes can be inefficient with his movements, taking the wrong angle to plays. Cox started all ten games his senior year at free safety.
Both players look to add depth to the Panthers’ roster as the team marches towards finalizing it’s roster heading into San Francisco.
