Four former Miami Hurricanes ranked among best unsigned NFL free agents

SHREVEPORT, LA - DECEMBER 27: Duke Johnson #8 of the Miami Hurricanes runs for yards against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter of the Duck Commander Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium on December 27, 2014 in Shreveport, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
SHREVEPORT, LA - DECEMBER 27: Duke Johnson #8 of the Miami Hurricanes runs for yards against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter of the Duck Commander Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium on December 27, 2014 in Shreveport, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Elder

had his best season with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Entering 2020, Elder had played in 14 games making three tackles during three seasons with Carolina. Playing all 16 games with one start in 2020, Elder recorded 40 tackles, three pass breakups, one TFL and one forced fumble.

Elder finished his Miami Hurricanes career with 158 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, six sacks, three interceptions, 27 pass breakups and five fumble recoveries. Elder is most known at Miami for his kickoff return TD off the eighth lateral in the Miracle in Durham game in 2015. Elder became a leader of the Miami defense.

Elder was originally drafted by the Panthers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After time on the New York Giants practice squad, Elder returned to Carolina. Elder was valuable on defense and special teams for the Panthers in 2020. The versatility Elder has should land him a roster spot in 2021.

There are multiple NFL teams that could use an adept slot CB like Elder who is also productive in special teams coverage. The breakout season Elder had in 2020 shows patience, hard work and a team player. Elder has always proven to be a leader and team player. That will help in free agency and a solid roster player.

"64. CB CORN ELDER Elder was a pleasant surprise for the Panthers in 2020, grading at 68.5 overall to go with a 68.2 coverage grade. He projected well as a slot corner coming out of Miami and he showed well in that role last season. Contract Analysis: A 2017 fifth-round pick of the Panthers, Elder made his way back onto Carolina’s active roster after a stint on the Giants practice squad. Playing more snaps in 2020 than he had in his full career prior, Elder is a capable slot defender Prediction: Elder signs for one-year, $1.25 million."