We are 55 days away from the beginning of the Carolina Panthers 2018 season. That means today we take a closer look at linebacker David Mayo.David Mayo Youth Ryan Kalil Jersey , LinebackerBioHeight: 6’2”Weight: 245 lbsAge: 24College: Texas StateNFL Experience: 4 yearsMayo, like Jermaine Carter and former Panther AJ Klein, was a 5th round pick who the Panthers selected to back up their stable of first round talents at linebacker and contribute on special teams. He has seen significant playing time, largely in relief of an injured Luke Kuechly, over the past couple of years and has not disappointed. Even as the NFL moves towards nickel defenses as a base formation, and consequently devaluing depth a the linebacker position Color Rush Devin Funchess Jersey , Mayo has continued to earn his spot on the Panthers’ roster. We can expect to see more of him in 2018 as Thomas Davis, Sr. opens the season serving a 4 game suspension.As a 2015 draft pick, Mayo is now entering a contract year. He has certainly proven himself as a capable NFL player, but there is no guarantee that he will re-sign with the Panthers. AJ Klein was allowed to depart the Carolinas in free agency after his rookie deal expired because he earned the right to start somewhere. Mayo hasn’t flashed quite that much ability just yet. However, between the motivation of playing for his next contract and the opportunity afforded by Davis’ suspension, 2018 may o may not be his breakout year.Panthers 24 Steelers 39: 6 winners Color Rush Taylor Moton Jersey , 3 losers in Panthers’ preseason finale loss The Panthers closed the 2018 preseason with a 39-24 loss to the Steelers. Thankfully the results of this game don’t matter because the Panthers did not look good at all tonight.Let’s take a look at some winners and losers from tonight’s action.WinnersMose Frazier: I don’t think he’ll make the 53-man roster, but I do believe that Frazier earned himself a spot on the practice squad after his efforts tonight. He looks like he belongs out there, and I think the Panthers would be wise to keep him stashed in case of an emergency.Cameron Artis-Payne: CAP came to play tonight, and it showed in the first quarter. He may have only had 35 rushing yards, but he did that on five carries. For a game that had few bright spots in it, he was one of them. He looked like he wanted to take the No. 3 running back spot Color Rush James Bradberry Jersey , and I think he did. Daeshon Hall: Hall sacked Mason Rudolph on third down to force the Steelers to punt. It was one of the few bright spots of the night for the defense, and it came at a good time for Hall, who has struggled this preseason.Taylor Heinicke: He played well in the first quarter, and I think he played well enough to win the No. 2 quarterback job over Garrett Gilbert. It’s up to the coaches now, as Heinicke did everything he could to convince them that he’s the right man for the job.Kyle Allen: He played pretty well in the second half and might have done well enough to find himself on a practice squad somewhere. It’s hard to really analyze anything since he was playing with and against players who won’t make a 53-man roster, but he showed potential and could get some phone calls this weekend if he doesn’t make the Panthers practice squad.Reggie Bonnafon: Bonnafon performed well in the second half. He hustled down the sideline and stopped a defensive touchdown Youth Kawann Short Jersey , and he also found the end zone himself. He made the kind of plays that a guy should make when fighting for a spot on the roster. I don’t think he’ll make the 53, but I think he put himself in the conversation for a place on the practice squad.
