The Carolina Panthers didn’t even have to touch field in Week 14 to take another step towards the postseason.

Thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday, the Panthers are tied for first place in the NFC South. And now, with both them and Tampa sitting at 7-6, Carolina controls their own destiny for what could be their first playoff berth in eight years.

But in order to successfully come out of this final four-game stretch, they’ll probably need a few unconventional heroes to step up.

Here are four under-the-radar Panthers who may prove to be quite valuable in their playoff push:

TE Mitchell Evans

The fifth-round pick, even while waiting for his opportunities in the passing game, has flashed for the Panthers throughout his rookie season. Evans, however, may not have to wait much longer to become the tight end in this offense.

Based on the numbers and the eye test, Evans has been the most consistent Panther at this position. He’s exhibited the most reliable hands, route running and blocking ability.

Perhaps there’s a post-bye rookie bump in order for the 22-year-old—who has already notched more touchdowns (two) than the rest of Carolina’s tight ends combined.

C Cade Mays

After missing last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams, Mays seems to be in line for a return on Sunday against the Saints. And although they came out victorious in his absence, his presence should provide a significant boost to an oft-injured offensive line.

Mays not only brings the physical presence that makes the run game go, but he has also developed in pass protection—becoming a reliable pillar in the middle of the front. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s allowed zero sacks over 266 opportunities, good enough for a solid 67.9 grade in pass-blocking.

His return will help strengthen the primary trench as well as the depth for a group that’s needed 10 different starting lineups in their 13 games.

DL Bobby Brown III

Brown has been a bit quiet of late. But sometimes, especially at the nose tackle position, being quiet means you’re doing your job.

The 6-foot-4, 324-pounder has been effective in his relatively limited time on the field, handing double teams well and opening up gaps to the backfield for the rest of the front seven.

His power will be needed against the Bucs and the Seattle Seahawks, both of whom feature quality and multi-pronged rushing attacks.

S Nick Scott

Fans haven’t shed the most favorable light on the seventh-year veteran throughout much of the campaign. Nevertheless, he may be getting hot at the right time.

Scott, in becoming one of the defense’s better backend defenders, has totaled 25 tackles and an interception over his last three outings. He’s been solid in coverage and reliable in his tackling.

The 30-year-old, who will hit free agency after the season, has some incentive to prove that he’s a starting-caliber safety on a potentially playoff-bound unit.

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