We’re counting down the days until the Panthers kick off the 2024 season.
We’re officially 34 days away from the Carolina Panthers kicking off the 2024 NFL season and it’s time for our annual roster countdown to highlight the players on the Panthers’ roster. Today, we’re taking a closer look at No. 34 — cornerback Willie Drew.
Drew signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Panthers this year. The 6-foot-0, 185-pound rookie played two seasons at James Madison then transferred to Virginia State. He had a spectacular 2023 season with Virginia State that ended with him earning AFCA first-team All-American honors. You can check out some of his highlights below:
Now, as the video demonstrates, Drew wasn’t exactly competing against Power Four competition at Virginia State. The jump from small school to the NFL is going to be a rude awakening.
Despite playing in relative obscurity in college he was invited to both the Reece’s Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. He ran well at the combine with a 4.46 second 40-yard dash. Drew’s 4.42 shuttle result was really slow, though, so he’s not necessarily an elite athlete. His 6.82 Relative Athletic Score isn’t outstanding, but it’s not a concern, either.
Willie was smart to sign with the Panthers. Carolina has major depth issues at cornerback which could allow an unheralded prospect like Drew to perhaps latch on to the practice squad. The odds will likely be stacked against him, but he has at least earned the chance to compete this summer and show the Panthers front office what he can do.