Former Tennessee Vols lineman Cade Mays eyes a breakout 2025 NFL season, poised for a starting role and major impact.

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where careers are defined by consistency, durability, and upside, few stories are as quietly compelling as that of Cade Mays. The former Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman enters the 2025 season with more than just a chance to compete — he has a legitimate opportunity to carve out a starting role and make a major impact on a team looking for trench stability.

Mays, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman known for his versatility and grit, is no stranger to the spotlight. A former five-star recruit out of Knoxville Catholic High School, Mays began his collegiate journey at Georgia before transferring to Tennessee, where he finished his college career with the hometown Vols. Now entering his third NFL season, Mays is in prime position to transition from a depth piece to a consistent starter — and perhaps, a future cornerstone on the offensive line.

Steady Development and NFL Readiness

Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, Mays has quietly developed into one of the team’s more reliable utility linemen. He’s appeared in games at both guard spots and even taken snaps at center, showing a level of versatility that coaches value immensely.

While his draft position may have suggested a long road to relevance, Mays’ performance in limited snaps has turned heads within the organization. Known for his nasty streak, strong hands, and football IQ, Mays has demonstrated the kind of traits that translate well to Sunday success.

“The thing about Cade is he’s a worker,” said one NFC South scout. “You know what you’re getting — a guy who understands leverage, technique, and how to be a physical presence without making mental mistakes. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective.”

That effectiveness is earning him a real shot in 2025. With multiple teams dealing with salary cap restraints and looking to plug gaps with young, affordable talent, Mays’ rookie deal — combined with his readiness — makes him an ideal candidate to step into a bigger role.

The Opportunity at Hand

As training camps approach, Mays is projected to compete for a starting job on the interior offensive line. Injuries and underperformance from veterans ahead of him on the depth chart have opened the door. Mays, entering the best shape of his professional career, seems ready to walk through it.

While nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, especially for late-round picks, the Panthers’ current offensive line landscape presents a clear opportunity. With last year’s starter dealing with offseason surgery and other linemen underperforming in 2024, the coaching staff has made it clear that the best player will play — and Mays is in the thick of that conversation.

Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik recently highlighted Mays’ growth during offseason workouts.

“Cade has really stepped up,” Idzik said. “His communication, his grasp of the system, and his physical conditioning have all improved. He’s pushing for a significant role, and that’s what we want — competition.”

From Knoxville to Carolina: A Journey of Growth

Mays’ football journey has always been deeply personal. His father, Kevin Mays, was an All-SEC lineman at Tennessee, and Cade followed in his footsteps after transferring from Georgia in 2020. Playing for the Vols wasn’t just a football decision — it was about legacy and family. That sense of pride has carried over into his professional mindset.

During his time at Tennessee, Mays became known as one of the SEC’s toughest linemen, earning second-team All-SEC honors. He brought leadership to the locker room and a blue-collar attitude to the field, endearing himself to teammates and fans alike. Those intangibles are now his greatest assets as he fights for a full-time NFL role.

“I’ve always believed in doing the little things right,” Mays said in a recent interview. “Whether that’s watching extra film, lifting, or working on technique, it all adds up. I just want to be a guy my teammates can count on.”

That mentality has been evident throughout the offseason, with Mays reportedly staying after practices for extra reps and regularly checking in with coaches to review film and scheme adjustments. It’s a level of professionalism that bodes well for a player looking to take the next step.

Scheme Fit and Positional Flexibility

One of the reasons Mays has remained a valuable asset is his ability to play multiple positions on the line. In today’s NFL, where injuries and substitutions are constant, a lineman who can shift between guard and center — and even tackle in a pinch — is worth his weight in gold.

That flexibility allows teams to carry one fewer offensive lineman on game day, freeing up roster space elsewhere. For Mays, it’s been both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, it’s kept him active on game days. On the other, it’s made it harder to lock down a permanent role.

“Playing multiple spots is something I take pride in,” Mays said. “But I also want to show that I can be a consistent starter at one position. That’s the goal this year — to prove I can lock it down.”

With the Panthers’ offensive scheme relying heavily on zone concepts and interior mobility, Mays’ footwork and strength make him a strong fit. His ability to reach second-level defenders and anchor against power rushers gives him a unique advantage in this system.

Building Chemistry and Earning Trust

Perhaps the most underrated part of an offensive lineman’s job is communication. Line calls, blitz recognition, and timing are all critical, especially on the interior. Mays has reportedly taken strides in this area as well, earning praise from his quarterback and fellow linemen.

“Cade’s been loud and confident out there,” said Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. “That’s huge for us. You want your line to be on the same page, and he’s helping make that happen.”

That chemistry has translated into smoother protections during OTAs and minicamps, where Mays has taken first-team reps. While training camp will ultimately determine the depth chart, he’s done everything possible to give himself a shot.

Veteran center Bradley Bozeman, who’s served as a mentor to Mays, believes the young lineman is ready.

“He’s come a long way in a short time,” Bozeman said. “Cade asks the right questions, he’s coachable, and he wants it. That’s a good combination.”

Looking Ahead: A Breakout Season?

If Mays wins a starting job, he’ll have a chance to make a meaningful impact in 2025. Not only would it validate years of hard work, but it could set the stage for a second contract and a longer NFL career — a major milestone for any sixth-round pick.

Even more, Mays’ physical style of play and SEC pedigree make him the kind of lineman who could thrive with more reps. Consistency and repetition are crucial, and if given the chance to settle into one position, there’s reason to believe he could become a mainstay on the line.

“There’s always been a chip on my shoulder,” Mays admitted. “I wasn’t a first-rounder. I wasn’t even a Day 2 guy. But I’ve always believed in myself, and now I’ve got a shot to prove it.”

NFL success often comes down to timing and opportunity. For Cade Mays, 2025 might be the perfect alignment of both. With the tools, mindset, and preparation in place, he’s positioned to make the most of it — and show the league that he’s more than just a versatile backup. He’s a starter. And possibly, a future leader on the line.

As training camp begins and preseason battles heat up, all eyes won’t be on Cade Mays — but maybe they should be.

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version, a player comparison, or a visual graphic summary of his NFL progression.