Here’s a look at how the Carolina Panthers' draft class and undrafted rookies performed in Saturday’s preseason loss to Houston.

First round: As expected, LB Luke Kuechly started and was a tackling machine. He had tackles on three consecutive plays in the first series and forced an Arian Foster fumble in the second. “I think Luke came out and showed what he’s capable of doing,” coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s a smart football player. He’s an athletic guy, and he made some things happen.”

Second round: Amini Silatolu started at left guard and played most of the first half. The Panthers ran four times up the middle for 21 yards (5.3 yards per carry) with Silatolu in the game and once over left guard for eight yards. On one of QB Derek Anderson’s sacks, the defender ran past Silatolu, but he was engaged with another lineman at the time, so it didn’t appear to be his fault.

Fourth round: DE Frank Alexander got into the game early. He played right defensive end early in the second quarter and stayed in for much of the second half. He got two early tackles but disappeared as the game progressed.

Fourth round: WR Joe Adams got the opportunity to return kicks and punts and brought drama to special teams. He failed to get out of the way of a punt near the sideline, and only a lucky bounce kept him from touching it and turning it over. He caught another punt by the fingertips, and ran backward, roaming from one sideline to the other before gaining 34 yards, double the team’s longest punt return last season. “Drafting him has been a huge plus for us,” Rivera said. “We will live with that guy.”

Fifth round: CB Josh Norman has battled a hamstring injury throughout camp. He dressed, and according to the official game report, he played. He didn’t get any tackles and spent most of the second half talking to Chris Gamble on the sideline.

Sixth round: P Brad Nortman had the edge over veteran Nick Harris. He averaged 49.7 yards, five more than Harris, and netted 42. He also had the game’s longest punt of 57 yards. But when both punters got the chance to pin the Texans deep after punting from around the Houston's 40, Harris’ punt went out of bounds at the 8-yard line. Nortman’s went into the end zone for a touchback.

Seventh round: FS D.J. Campbell got into the game late in the third quarter, but he didn’t produce any tackles or improve his chances of making the team.

Undrafted players: RB Tauren Poole led the team with 26 yards rushing on four carries and scored the team’s only rushing TD. WR Michael Avila returned a kickoff 32 yards. RB Lyndon Rowells caught a five-yard screen pass. T Matt Reynolds was one of the first rookies to play, late in the first quarter. G Will Blackwell was one of the last, entering after the game’s two-minute warning. WR Jared Green failed to impress. DT Nate Chandler entered in the second quarter, got a tackle, and also got a look on kickoff coverage. 

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow@CBSSportsNFLCAR.