Four years ago, Andrew Norwell went from being an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State to making the Carolina Panthers' roster, and became a First-Team All-Pro at left guard by the time his tenure with the team ended. With Norwell now gone, yet another UDFA could be following the blueprint to becoming the Panthers' left guard that he provided.

According to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer, undrafted free agent Brendan Mahon has been impressive at Panthers training camp so far, earning both first-team and second-team reps at left guard. Mahon, who signed with the Panthers shortly after not being selected in the NFL Draft, has found himself thrust into an opportunity to be a serious contender for the position after Daryl Williams' injury Saturday necessitated Taylor Moton's move to right tackle.

Though he presents perhaps the most intriguing option at left guard relative to incumbent Amini Silatolu and free agent pickup Jeremiah Sirles, Mahon is operating with the knowledge that his being in the mix for the position does not guarantee him a place on the Panthers' roster, let alone a starting job.

"The thing that’s getting me going is that my back is against the wall," Mahon told the Observer. "I don’t have some of the luxuries that the drafted guys do. I come out here every day and work hard, and try to be successful, put the pedal to the metal and play hard-nose football."

Adversity is nothing new to Mahon. After Penn State had massive sanctions levied against it by the NCAA following the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, Mahon was one of a few recruits who decided to stick with the university. With the Nittany Lions' offensive line decimated after many recruits avoided the football program, Mahon found himself having to serve as an everyman on the line. Following a leg injury in 2016, Mahon recovered to serve on a revitalized Penn State offensive line in 2017, blocking for now-New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who was the No. 2-overall pick in this Spring's draft.

Mahon's performance early on in training camp, particularly in the "Oklahoma Drill", has caught the eye of Panthers head coach Ron Rivera.

"He’s an interesting young man," said Rivera of Mahon. "He’s bright. He’s physical. He’s got a good set of tools. Of the young guys, he has stepped up so far. You have to find those young guys early and make sure they’re getting a little extra. Whatever it takes to help those guys a long. Because guys like that can help you. And he’s done a nice job so far."

In High School, Mahon was nicknamed "Big Baby" due to the fact that he could not grow facial hair despite his hulking size. If he continues to stand out, "Big Baby" could mature into a Big Boy and become a full-fledged NFL offensive lineman.



Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article215767175.html#storylink=cpy"



Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article215767175.html#storylink=cpy"



Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article215767175.html#storylink=cpy,