The Panthers began walk-throughs for the first time in 2020 this week. Unpadded practices usually don’t mean much, but this year everything is different and every rep is far more meaningful.
Here are nine players who need a strong performance at training camp this year, whether they’re taking on a leadership position, finding their groove or fighting for a roster spot.
Teddy Bridgewater
What’s at stake: In the absence of former MVP quarterback Cam Newton and so many other veterans, the team itself is up for grabs. While Christian McCaffrey may be their best player, that doesn’t necessarily make it his. Bridgewater told reporters earlier this week he feels this is his team, despite not having a traditional offseason. Now he has to go out and earn it. Bridgewater needs to show a command of offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s scheme and the ability to lead a team for more than a handful of games. So far, so good.
Mike Horton, Branden Bowen, Sam Tecklenburg
What’s at stake: These three undrafted offensive linemen are all in the difficult position of trying to secure a spot on the roster. It’s tough enough for any rookie OL to make an NFL team in a typical year. Thanks to the preseason being canceled, these three are in an even harder spot. Continuity and experience are crucial for offensive line success, which will put the veterans on the roster at a greater advantage. Bowen, Horton and Tecklenburg have to really stand out at camp to justify giving them a spot over a player with pro snaps.
Ian Thomas
What’s at stake: Several players are taking on expanded roles within the team this year. Thomas may have a chance to see his grow more than anyone else, though. The loss of Greg Olsen could be catastrophic for Carolina’s offense unless Thomas steps up and develops into a legitimate TE1. For that to happen, he’ll have to improve his drop rate, which was 10% last season. Blocking is another area that Thomas will need to work on if the Panthers are going to reward him with a surge of playing time. If he proves he’s ready, it will open up a world of possibilities for Brady’s offense.
Tahir Whitehead
What’s at stake: Nobody has bigger shoes to fill this year than Whitehead, who is stepping in for a guy who played his position better than anybody else in the NFL over the last eight years. Whitehead can’t match Luke Kuechly’s marvelous processing speed and sticky coverage – and nobody should expect him to. What the Panthers need is for Whitehead to effectively lead a defensive unit that is loaded with rookies and other inexperienced players. His ability to communicate and teach will be critical in determining how fast this defense will be ready for live competition.
Derrick Brown
What’s at stake: Some first-round picks have the benefit of waiting a season to learn the ropes and then step in. That’s not the case for Brown, who will need to pay dividends up front right away if the Panthers are going to turn around what was the worst run defense in football last year. We know Brown has the size, power and hustle to make an impact at the next level. In order to really make the difference Carolina’s defense needs, he’ll have to grow fast when it comes to mental processing. Learning everything he can from Kawann Short these next few weeks can make a huge difference.
Joseph Charlton, Joey Slye
What’s at stake: These two specialists are joining what may well be the worst special teams unit in the NFL this season, per Football Outsiders. Slye already has gotten his feet wet, serving as the team’s kicker last year with Graham Gano out due to a leg injury. Now the job is his full-time, so he’ll have to be more consistent than he was in the season’s second half. For Charlton, he’ll have to adjust quick to the speed of the pro game, which can be a lethal transition even for a punter.
