For the most part, the Panthers are pretty much set across the board at linebacker. They may look to add another outside backer to generate more of a pass rush but come later this month, the focus will turn to developing that second string and finding roles for guys.
One name you may fall in love with and not just because he has a cool name but because he makes plays all over the place is Bumper Pool.
The former Arkansas Razorback dealt with a few injuries throughout his career, including some minor hip surgeries that may have been enough to scare teams off of drafting him. But the Panthers saw something in him early in the pre-draft process, had him in for a visit, and eventually signed him as an undrafted free agent.
"Productivity," Reich said when describing why he was interested in Pool. "Just with all those snaps -- he's instinctive. Guy who loves football and just kind of has a feel of where to be. That's a big deal when you're looking to pick guys up like that. Do they have a toughness? And do they have the football instincts that you're looking for? He does. He has that."
In his five years at Arkansas, Pool compiled 441 tackles and 27.5 tackles for loss. He's gets downhill in a hurry and eliminates big plays from happening in the run game, but he's not too shabby defending the pass either as he finished his career with 19 pass breakups.
"Bumper is a guy that's come in and jumped right in as far as playbook goes," said linebackers coach Peter Hansen. "He's showing his football aptitude and learning ability really quickly and that's fun to see and knowing a guy has that much production in the past in his history, we're looking forward to the time when we get to see some of that with pads on."
With 2022 4th round pick Brandon Smith and veteran linebacker/key special teamer Kamu Grugier-Hill likely having spots reserved on the active roster, Pool will need to do more than just make plays on defense in the preseason. If he shows the ability to make an impact on special teams in some way, he'll be more than just pushing for a spot on the Week 1 roster. He could be gunning for a starting spot on the special teams unit.
Despite going through some injuries, coach Hansen doesn't believe there's anything to worry about with Pool health-wise moving forward.
"I don't think so. I don't talk medical stuff. It's not what I've studied or my background but he's been able to go to meetings, go to practice and execute some of the drills and that sort of thing, so as far as I'm concerned he's right there with us."
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