Over the next few days, the Carolina Panthers will decide who will make their initial 53-man roster. That's only the beginning of the work, though—as the real roster to start the season won't be finalized until several days later, after the flurry of waiver-wire activity.
While Panthers finally filled their big hole at tight end by signing Darren Waller, they still have a few positions that desperately could use an upgrade. Linebacker and edge are among them, as is the starting safety spot opposite Tre'von Moehrig—currently held by veteran Nick Scott.
On that score, one name to watch for the Panthers is former Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp—who briefly signed with the Denver Broncos, but is a free agent again. Bleacher Report sees him as a fit
to return to the Broncos:
The Broncos already have a loaded defense. However, they should be interested in bringing back Rapp, who has made 72 starts while allowing an opposing passer rating of 91.0 in his career and who has experience at both strong and free safety. Other teams with questionable safety depth should have an eye on Rapp, too.
Carolina should definitely be one of them, and their need is far greater than Denver's.
Rapp has a good mix of youth and experience, with 93 games under his belt at 28 years old. He is also a versatile defender, having totaled 488 career tackles (11 for a loss), 2.0 sacks, six quarterback hits, 12 interceptions and 31 pass breakups.
The big x-factor is coverage, where Rapp would be a definitive upgrade over Scott. Last season, he only allowed a 54.5-percent completion rate, zero touchdowns and a 78.6 passer rating. Meanwhile, Scott gave up a 67.9-percent completion rate, three touchdowns and a 117.0 passer rating.
We'll have to wait and see who hits the wire on Monday. But if Rapp remains and there are no better options, then perhaps the Panthers should look to reunite him with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley—all of whom spent a few seasons together back in Los Angeles.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Former Bills DB should be on Panthers' radar after this weekend
