Panthers training camp stock watch: Who’s up, who’s down before Fan Fest practice
The Carolina Panthers enter Friday’s annual Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium with some offensive momentum. While the defense got off to a fast start — which is typical in training camp — the offense has started to put together a string of quality performances during the first week of summer workouts.
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Quarterback Bryce Young has been electric and efficient of late, and his performance has benefited the familiar faces around him, particularly the members of the much-maligned 2024 draft class. Backup QB Kenny Pickett has also started to find his groove, which has helped some under-the-radar talents step up.
Despite the offense’s recent success, the defense has had some standouts as well. While big-money additions like outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and inside linebacker Devin Lloyd are expected to excel, the Panthers have also seen some young defenders step up in the passing game.
Ahead of Fan Fest, here are 12 Panthers players who have seen their stock rise and fall amid competitions for roles and jobs:
WR Xavier Legette: The 2024 first-round pick has started to heat up with additional physicality. He’s made a handful of acrobatic catches off deep-ball throws from Young during the first week. He’s catching the ball cleanly for the most part, and that’s a good sign with rookie Chris Brazzell (knee) likely sidelined for the entire regular season.
RB Jonathon Brooks: Coming off back-to-back ACL surgeries, Brooks took part in his first week of training camp practices (ever) and looked quite good. The 2024 second-round pick cut well through defenders and displayed worthwhile receiving ability in spurts during padded practices. Brooks is an ultimate X-factor for the offense, and if he can remain healthy, the ground game could take off in a hurry.
WR Ja’seem Reed: As projected by the Processing Blue podcast last week, Reed is the dark horse to watch throughout the summer. The second-year receiver has caught nearly everything that’s come his way in camp, and he is making impressive plays regularly during each workout. He’s been praised openly by his fellow receivers, cornerback Jaycee Horn and head coach Dave Canales over the past few days.
CB Will Lee: The fourth-round pick did a solid job filling in for Horn while the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback missed the first three practices of training camp. Lee had a practice-ending pick during last Friday’s workout, and he seems very comfortable working on the outside when Horn is moved to the nickel position. He’s allowed the occasional big play, but so does every corner in camp.
OT Rasheed Walker: The free-agent addition has been sturdy so far on the blind side. With first-round pick Monroe Freeling no longer nipping at his heels, Walker has been able to settle in at left tackle and make the most of his opportunities. He’s been good at mitigating pressure and finishing blocks since pads have entered the picture.
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WR David Moore: When your head coach gives you a nickname like “Vitamin D” during the first week of camp, you’re probably in pretty great standing to start the summer. Moore has earned the praise after having a very strong spring. He’s continued with the momentum in camp, producing at least one daily highlight for the tape reel. His chemistry with Young is hard to miss.
OLB Princely Umanmielen: The 2025 third-round pick has made the most of his speed and bending ability so far in camp. With Nic Scourton (ACL) out for the year, the Panthers need Umanmielen and Pat Jones to step up. Umanmielen looks motivated to improve on his up-and-down rookie season.
WR Jimmy Horn Jr.: There are quite a few receivers on the “stock up” list, which makes Horn vulnerable. The 2025 sixth-round pick hasn’t been bad, but he also really hasn’t produced many plays. He needs to have a strong second week to avoid falling into the fringe talent corridor.
RB A.J. Dillon: It’s been hard to figure out where Dillon fits with Brooks looking healthy this summer. The veteran running back has worked mostly with the depth groups, and he had the ball stripped away from him during a team drill on Wednesday. He’s not really being considered for a returner role, and he won’t be able to show off his short-yardage chops until the preseason.
CB Robert Rochell: The journeyman cornerback has been on the opposite end of a lot of splash plays this summer. He was also forced to miss Wednesday’s practice with an undisclosed injury. While Rochell is mostly here for special teams, he needs to show that he can provide value on defense if called upon. Otherwise, he’s going to be lapped on the depth chart by the likes of Akayleb Evans, Isaiah Simmons and maybe even DeVonta Smith.
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: The third-year tight end is off to a slow start this summer. He did have an impressive grab on Wednesday, but he’s been otherwise forgettable in the passing game through a week of camp. However, it’s worth pointing out that he surged throughout last year’s camp and ended up having a down year. Maybe, this reversal of returns could change his and the Panthers’ fortunes?
C Sam Hecht: The center job is Luke Fortner’s gig to lose. The veteran has taken all the first-team reps this summer. Meanwhile, Hecht — a fifth-round pick — has rotated with Nick Samac on the depth lines. Hecht will get plenty of playing time in the preseason, so he’ll need to make the most of that action.
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