David Foucault Signs With NFL’s Carolina Panthers
By Jared Book
Montreal Alouettes first-round pick and former University of Montreal Carabins offensive lineman David Foucault is expected to sign with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
The 6’8, 320 pound Montreal native attended rookie camp with the Panthers on a try out basis this weekend and opened some eyes there. The Panthers are needing to replace left tackle Jordan Gross, but Foucault is more of a developmental pick up rather than to make an immediate impact.
Foucault will become the second Canadian lineman in as many years to join the Panthers after coming to rookie camp without a contract. Defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh signed with Carolina last May, but spent the 2013 season on injured reserve after injuring his back during training camp.
Gaydosh was the first overall pick in last year’s CFL Draft.
In some quotes to the Carolina Observer, the Panthers and Foucault both liked what they experienced this weekend. Here’s head coach Ron Rivera:
"What’s really nice is (when) [offensive line coach Ray] Brown started trying to get him to understand certain techniques and the way we do things here – it’s a little bit different obviously – he seemed to be able to pick those things up."
Just by signing the contract doesn’t mean Foucault will be able to grab – and keep – a roster spot. It simply means that he will get an opportunity in training camp and that the Panthers can keep a closer eye on him.
It makes it rather unlikely that he will be in training camp with the Alouettes that opens up June 1. Foucault is a huge player, but even by CFL standards is more of a raw prospect. You could expect that he will need to show some improvement to stick south of the border but just the fact that he is getting a contract is a testament to his quick learning and natural ability.