Minicamp was open to the media today, here are some notes for those not following along over the course of the day.
Did Not Practice
WR Brenton Bersin - Ankle; expected to miss remainder of mini camp.
OT David Foucalt - Calf soreness, expected to be out tomorrow as well.
Injuries
None.
Position Groups
Offense
- Graham Gano made a 72 yard field goal he kicked off a tee. The #bombsquad is alive and well.
- Big play of the day belongs to Fozzy Whitaker as he broke a wheel route into a touchdown. The defense was not particularly pleased at the celebration between him and Cam Newton however.
- Most of the first string OL had a breather today with younger guys getting more reps with Cam under center.
- Devin Funchess showed no lingering signs of illness, catching a touchdown pass from Newton off a nice spin move on Daryl Worley.
- Kevin Norwood dropped a touchdown pass on a similar play as above.
- Damiere Byrd torched Zack Sanchez long for another big play. He’s just too fast for your average DB.
- Ed Dickson hauled in a 20 yard touchdown pass during one-minute drills, but then later dropped a routine reception down the sideline.
Defense
- Kawann Short was present again today, as were all the DTs. Once again, no issues.
- The Panthers continued to work all three draft picks at CB with the first string. Bradberry didn’t stand out positively or negatively. Worley was able to secure a nice interception over the middle with a diving grab. Zack Sanchez jumped a route, but couldn’t hang on to the Cam Newton bullet. Sanchez has not had a good offseason.
- Kony Ealy beat Daryl Williams twice while Williams was in at LT with speed rushes, but then committed his trademark Offsides penalty.
- Rakim Cox got extra time with the first string at LDE.
- Tre Boston was able to pick off a rare Newton underthrow on a deep ball
- Dean Marlowe continues to get all the time he can handle with the second string at safety. Seems likely that he will make the roster and potentially push for additional playing time.
UDFA watch
- No mentions of note
Coaches Notes
- Rivera called it a mixed bag today, better than yesterday but still some disappointments from the younger guys. His message to the young guys “If you’re struggling, get in the (play)book a bit deeper.”
- On Charles Johnson: “This isn’t a prove it year, he’s already proven it.”
- On Ryan Kalil: “Nothing about him has changed, he’s still Ryan Kalil, still one of the best at what he does.”
- On Trai Turner: He’s a physical player. He does everything we need him to do. We pull him and get him downfield a lot, and we usually match him up on the 3 technique, which is typically the best interior pass rusher. I’m glad he got that recognition (pro bowl)”
- Rivera is pleased with all his veteran players, wants to see younger players turn it up. Includes rookies, 2nd, and 3rd year players.
- Rivera pleased with both Kelvin Benjamin and Stephen Hill. Glad they had each other through this injury. Sees them both getting more confident with their knee and route running.
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