— Rookie CBs James Bradberry, Daryl Worley and Zack Sanchez saw a fair share of snaps together with the first-team defense.
"We brought them here for a reason, and that’s why they’re out there working with the 1’s and 2’s," coach Ron Rivera said. "It’s an opportunity for them to show us what they can do and what they’re capable of."
Like all rookies, they're capable of making mistakes.
Worley gave up a touchdown when QB Cam Newton and WR Devin Funchess teamed up on a stop-and-go. But Worley later made a diving interception of a Newton pass.
Sanchez, who was in the slot, gave up receptions to receivers Damiere Byrd and Miles Shuler in a red zone drill. The fifth-round pick later jumped a route on a Newton throw but dropped the interception.
--The rookies weren't the only ones guilty of mistakes. 7th-year QB Joe Webb made the biggest of the day.
With the clock running under 10 seconds during a two-minute drill, Webb took the snap and spiked it. The problem was — it was fourth down.
"It was one of those things that Joe should know better. You’ve got to pay attention and know the circumstances and situation," Rivera said. "Joe thought it was a first down. It’s one of those things where we can’t say we think; we’ve got to know."
--When a handful of teams implemented virtual reality training last offseason, the Panthers did some research but passed. They're still not yet ready to dive right in, but they are giving the technology a test run.
A couple representatives from STRIVR Labs have set up two tripods equipped with multiple GoPros during practice. After the footage is captured, a player can get a 360-degree view of the line of scrimmage via virtual reality goggles.
"It's one of the things we're looking at. It's something that is kind of the new wave. It's a great learning tool, a great teaching tool," Rivera said. "The thing that we like about it is that it's the player perspective."
--The play of the day, at least from the offense's perspective, was a 40-yard completion from Newton to RB Fozzy Whittaker, who sprinted past DE Kony Ealy on a wheel route.
A screaming Newton sprinted to the end zone to hip-bump Whittaker, a celebration that irked the defense.
CB Bené Benwikere walked out onto the field and pointed to a group of fans who were watching from a sponsor section near the end zone. "If you get a pick," Benwikere said to his fellow CBs, "go celebrate with the fans."
--Neither Worley nor safety Tre Boston fulfilled Benwikere's request when they intercepted Newton later in practice. Boston's pick, a leaping grab of a ball intended for Funchess, was especially impressive.
--If there was a player of the day it was Funchess, who missed Tuesday with an illness. Like he has so often this spring, he caught nearly everything thrown his way.
It's been impossible not to see the growth from the second-year wideout, and last week his name was in headlines when Rivera said Funchess is "light years ahead" of where he was in 2015.
"I'm not going to say I don't like you guys, but I just don't like seeing all the media and the hype just because people will have biased opinions," Funchess said. "He said it and I appreciate the comment that he made. It just makes me work even harder."
--WR Brenton Bersin, who rolled an ankle Tuesday, was the only player not on the field. He'll be full strength by training camp.
--Whittaker continues to lead the group on kickoff returns. Damiere Byrd, Stephen Hill, Avius Capers, Tobias Palmer and Ted Ginn Jr. also fielded kicks.
—Reporters from Sports Illustrated, MMQB and USA Today have made stops at practice this week.