I'm going to be honest, I hate rookie mini camp. Sure, this is the first real look at new players, and our first actual football since that terrible terrible night back in February. However, it's not really a preview of much with the rookies playing without helmets or pads. Its prime function is to get the new guys some private time with their new coaches, and try out some other young free agents in the process. These practices can shed light on certain positions however.
TE Beau Sandland
Sandland boasts some great athleticism as a pass catcher, which is probably why he warranted a draft pick. The Panthers have been looking for a complimentary receiving piece at tight end since Jeremy Shockey, and this is Sandland's time to shine. He will need to work on blocking and technique before legitimately seeing an NFL field, but this is the time he can showcase his talents as a receiver.
WR Keyarris Garrett
Garrett wasn't wrong in his mentions of his college accolades. He was definitely productive and did face players who ended up having their names called during the draft. That said, he's got to work on his mechanics and route running in order to truly make it in the NFL. He'll get his first chance to work with NFL coaches and this will be their opportunity to try and correct any bad habits or form deficiencies that Garrett may have.
LB Jeremy Cash
I for one will be following Cash closely all offseason. He could find himself on the 53 or not even on the team depending on how his physical development and mental grasp of this new position go down. He has the innate hitting ability and natural talent at simply playing football. He's aggressive and plays with fire, something that will help him find a place. He will be one of the bigger question marks of the offseason as a whole, but the Panthers linebacking coaches are definitely capable of molding him into a solid fit for the team.
RB Devon Johnson
Johnson reminds me of Mike Tolbert in many ways. He lined up as running back, full back, even tight end in college. He possesses a physical rushing style that will make him hard to bring down if he can work his way into a team's running back rotation. My big question here is will he be the next Mike Tolbert, or the next Richie Brockel? And can the team keep a player like him around when they already have Tolbert on a cheap deal? I'm very curious to see how they use him in practice.