Luke

Kandra

Perkins was signed following Andy Dalton’s elbow injury, so we take Perkins’ release as a positive regarding Dalton’s recovery. The Panthers also waived CB Mello Dotson, CB JaTravis Broughton, S Isaac Gifford, OG Luke Kandra, OG Steven Loyosa, WR TJ Luther, RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, OLB J.J. Weaver and ILB Jacoby Windmon.

Kandra (6’5/320) is a sleeper with this group of offensive lineman. In 2024, he was the third-highest graded guard in the Power 4 and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Before returning home to Cincinnati, Kandra spent three years at Louisville, and was graded the third best Power Five guard by PFF. As a pass blocker, Kandra plays physical, posting an 84.1 PFF grade. He has good vision, and does a nice job peeling off his blocks and picking up blitzes. As a run blocker, Kandra is quick off the ball, but is inconsistent at finishing his blocks. He’s quick on his pulls, but struggles to maintain his blocks. Kandra also isn’t the most versatile lineman, having no experience at tackle. Overall, Kandra has the potential to develop into a starting guard in the NFL.

Kandra (6'4/290) was out on an official visit to Indiana this past weekend, but alas for the Hoosiers, the allure of the Cardinals -- whom he visited the week prior -- was too great to pass up. Said the Cincinnati native, “Louisville just seemed like family to me and it felt like home.” He told 247Sports that he will work as either center or guard in HC Scott Satterfield’s program. On the 247Sports composite board, Kandra slots in as the No. 46 prospect in the state of Ohio for the 2020 cycle.