Carolina Panthers: Five players to watch vs. Patriots

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; James Madison defensive back Dean Marlowe runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dean Marlowe, DB Marlowe, a relatively unknown undrafted free agent out of James Madison (where he started 48 games), is now having a heck of a preseason and leads the Panthers’ defense in Pro Football Focus grade. Undrafted due to coming from a smaller school and not posting any outlandish athletic numbers, Marlowe is getting significant attention from the Panthers’ coaching staff, including picking off a pass from Cam Newton in practice recently.

It’s an uphill battle for any undrafted player to make a final roster in the NFL, but Marlowe appears well on his way to convincing the Panthers that he’s developing quicker than expected.

Perhaps also another practice squad candidate, Marlowe has a chance in this third preseason game to establish himself as a player that could provide key depth this season.

Next: Mario Addison