Eric

Norwood

A fourth-round pick in 2010, Norwood has one sack in 28 career appearances. The Panthers traded up to draft Frank Alexander, re-signed Antwan Applewhite, and may have unearthed a gem in 2011 UDFA Thomas Keiser. Norwood will have to be a high-impact special teams player in order to make the final 53.

The fourth-year pro didn’t make it out of camp with the Panthers last season. He’d be a long-shot for one of the final roster spots in New York.

Norwood, a 2010 fourth-rounder out of South Carolina, posted one sack in his first two seasons before falling out of the league last year. He had a visit with the Giants back in April but did not get a contract offer.

Thomas, due $4.9M in 2010, played just 54% of New England’s defensive snaps last season. The Pats appear to be considering an overhaul at OLB. They’ve interviewed Eric Norwood and Brandon Graham at the Senior Bowl.

Norwood showed up to Indianapolis at a svelte 6'1/245, and this time won’t hurt. He projects as a special teamer/No. 3 outside linebacker in a 3-4.

A highly decorated four-year starter with the Gamecocks, Norwood’s plus speed and awareness made him a productive pass rusher on the college level. He was projected by most teams as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he’ll be ticketed for the strong side with the Panthers. Expect plenty of special teams work as a rookie.

Norwood is listed at defensive end on the Panthers’ website. That’s incorrect, although his strength is rushing the passer. Norwood will compete for snaps with Dan Connor and James Anderson while playing special teams.

Coach Ron Rivera explained that Norwood passed Brown because he’s been “more physical.” Norwood, an undersized (6'0/246) former linebacker, was the 124th pick in the 2010 draft. Brown was the 43rd pick in the 2009 draft, and the Panthers traded a future first-round pick to get him. That pick turned out to be Mike Iupati, who looks like a future Pro Bowler in San Francisco.

A fierce tackler and excellent blitzer who Steve Spurrier asked to shed weight and convert from DE to OLB in 2008, Norwood would fit well in a blitz-heavy scheme like the Giants’ or Eagles’. He led the Gamecocks with nine sacks as a junior and racked up a hefty 34 tackles for loss in his final two years.

Norwood declared after the Outback Bowl that he’d turn pro but changed his tune Monday, citing how Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry improved his stock as a senior. Norwood was given a late-round grade by the Draft Advisory Board.