After going undrafted in 2020 NFL draft Saturday evening, Omar Bayless was picked up by the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in the hours that followed. Arkansas State Twitter account first reported the news.
The former Laurel and Red Wolves wide receiver was named as a third-team Associated Press All-American after his senior season at Arkansas State and was the Sun Belt Player of the Year, finishing among the top receivers in the FBS with 93 receptions for 1,653 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was also an honorable mention All-SBC pick in 2017 and 2018.
Bayless was a starter for the Red Wolves four times as a redshirt freshman in 2016.
The Laurel standout helped Laurel High School win the MHSAA Class 5A state title as a senior with 70 catches for 1,442 yards and 18 TDs.
NFL analysts Lance Zierlein had this to say about Bayless: “Vertical target coming off a monster season with several big plays to light up the stat sheet. Bayless struggles with hip sink. His short-area agility severely limits functional separation out of breaks underneath and on intermediate routes. He appeared to flash quality speed on tape, but scouts aren't sure he has true top speed to become a vertical threat as a pro. He's athletic in the air, but needs to play tougher/stronger both through the route and on 50/50 balls.”
