Honestly, does Lester make the team?

[Soul Rebel]

I think after we cut some fodder, a guy like Kerry Rhodes or Quinten Mikell gets signed on a fair deal. I don't mind Lester, but he is not ready for 16 Sundays, as a rookie.

[4Corners]

Who was that safety from LSU we picked up as an UDFA a few years ago?

I recall many posters on this board were "high" on him and many thought he would make the team.

He didn't make it through training camp.

[Ruff]

The better question is will Clausen or Armanti Edwards make the team?

I seriously doubt either of those make the cut this year.

[vorbis]

i think he's probably about as ready as any safety the panthers could have drafted in the 5th or 6th round. playing and starting 3 seasons for nick saban counts for something. sure, he has his limitations but i bet he's going to hit the ground running in training camp and make an impression.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

I think this sums up Lester as a pro and in a lot of his season in 2012-13

WEAKNESSES - Lester is a tweener that lacks the growth potential to switch to LB and the athleticism needed to cover in space as a safety. In man coverage he is continually exposed on the break, as he is stiff in transition and lacks the acceleration needed to recover once he loses a step. He struggles to change directions fluidly, and does not have the speed to stay with faster TE's down-field. He also struggles to close on outside runs effectively, and has to take very conservative angles of pursuit. He must become more physical and aggressive when faced with man press situations.

SUMMARY - Robert Lester does not have a natural NFL position and is unlikely to ever make a final roster. He is a slow-twitch athlete that looks stiff changing directions, and does not possess the acceleration needed to recover once beaten or close from off the ball. His poor speed and change of direction limits his effectiveness against faster TEs, making him a liability in all forms of coverage. Despite being an aggressive, physical run defender, he struggles to make plays on the boundary and looks physically maxed out at 220 lbs., making him very undersized for the LB position. While a 43 team could attempt to convert him to a WILL, his athletic limitations even for this position will likely make him a practice squad player.

[Sloth]

Depends on which Lester shows up to camp.

2011 Lester probably pushes for a starting spot and lands a backup spot at minimum.

2012 Lester might make the practice squad.

He's got a lot of talent but for some mysterious reason fell off a cliff last year.

[jungleking]

why did he go undrafted?

Tweener. Not a great athlete in open space, not a great tackler near the line. Got by a lot on being smart and disciplined, but he's short on physical talent.

[Peppers90 NC]

he should, but it's up to him. would love to see an udfa make an impact

[FreeArmanti]

Really excited that carolina went out and atleast signed a safety after not drafting one. I just finished watching a few of alabama's games from the 2010 and 2011 seasons. From what i saw while watching the games a few things are consistent with Lester's play.

Btw im not trying to beat a dead horse here, i really hope this kid does well, god knows we need someone to step up in the secondary.

But the first was he takes poor angles on balls in the air and ball carriers. He doesnt have elite speed so he struggles to recover once beaten. He struggles to close on runs to the outside and i saw running backs beat him to the sideline and turn the corner on him. However, Lester seems to have good hands for a safety and feasts off of poorly thrown or deflected balls. I found this thread on Robert Lester on an Alabama Message board as well, if any of you want to take a glance at it.

http://www.woolyal.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23391

Again, im not trying to troll and i know i never post so it may come off that way but i just dont see it from Lester. He has gone backwards in his progression, i think there was a reason why he went undrafted. But i was excited about the signing of him since he has a very impressive résumé. But after reading what most websites said about him i figured I'd take a look myself.

I hope the Panthers give Melvin White a look at safety if they dont feel he can be an effective CB this season. In other words im pretty much good with anyone not named Naka playing safety.

Just my two cents, go easy on me guys

[tiger7_88]

He's already better than Nakamura so, yes.

[tiger7_88]

Lester should consider switchng to LB

 

I don't think there's any way Lester could carry that much extra weight like Davis could.

[tiger7_88]

He played and started for the Crimson Tide last season, who could have arguably beat many NFL teams.

 

Dude.  :wacko:

[DaveThePanther2008]

Of the UDFA He is probably has the best chance of making the team. Mostly because Safety position is open to anyone.

DJ Campbell should not be over looked if I remember correctly Rivera was very high on this guy not only because of talent but football smarts.

[BeasonBeastingBacks]

I give it a 39% chance of happening