Carolina Panthers, round 5, pick 169 | David Mayo

David Mayo

Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 228.

Position: Inside linebacker.

College: Texas State.

What he offers: Mayo has great sideline-to-sideline speed and can play at either strongside or middle linebacker. Of course he won’t unseat the starters as a rookie, but he offers solid depth. He engages blockers physically and will be an asset on special teams even though he didn’t play much of it in college.

Worth mentioning: Mayo was second in the nation in tackles with 154. ... Before going to Texas State, Mayo went to Santa Monica Community College for a year to earn more scholarship opportunities. ... Former Panthers receiver Steve Smith also went to Santa Monica CC.

Bet you didn’t know: Mayo lived in a shed behind a house for a year when he went to community college because rent was too expense in Southern California. He paid $450 month, and he had a mattress, an ottoman and ran an extension cord from the house to get power.

What they’re saying: “Panthers draft sleeper in Texas State MLB David Mayo. Aggressive player, smart, good special teamer. Sunbelt Conference Player of the Year.” – Yahoo’s Eric Edholm.

Jonathan Jones

This story was originally published May 2, 2015 at 4:47 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers, round 5, pick 169 | David Mayo."