Cornerback Roller Coaster
You may be worried about the Panthers' cornerback situation, but Carolina's coaches aren't. Yet.
James Bradberry, Daryl Worley and Zack Sanchez are going to play, and like all rookies, they're going to make mistakes. At minicamp, we saw Bradberry beaten by Damiere Byrd, Worley fooled by Devin Funchess and Sanchez picked apart in the red zone. But the trio also showed flashes of why the Panthers picked them with an eye on the present and future.
Bené Benwikere could have done more if trainers let him, but he'll be full-go in Spartanburg. The Panthers are also confident in Robert McClain and Lou Young. So while an unemployed veteran like Charles Tillman may be a 'why not?' add, the Panthers' current plan is to remain patient through growing pains.
The Butler Did It
Apologies for going there, but Vernon Butler did what the Panthers were hoping this spring.
Just as their scouts said, the first-round defensive tackle showed uncanny explosiveness for someone his size. When Kawann Short skipped the final two weeks of OTAs, Butler lined up with the starters.
Like Shaq Thompson in 2015, Butler was somewhat of a luxury pick who, barring injury, won't get starter snaps. And like Thompson, the Panthers couldn't be more excited about who they picked up late in the first round.
Funchess the Pro
Coach Ron Rivera wasn't just blowing smoke when he said Funchess was "light years ahead" of where he was as a rookie. Funchess often looked like a boy among men last spring and summer because he was.
No longer confused by a new playbook, Funchess was more confident and comfortable the past month. He made more plays than anyone, plus he appeared to be carrying himself differently. Now an old, wise man at 22, Funchess looked like a true pro.
Right Tackle Remains the Same
The Panthers promised Mike Remmers he'd stay in his starting role to start the spring, and he did nothing to change their minds. Neither did Daryl Williams.
Last year's fourth-round pick isn't in a bad place, but Williams needs to work on his conditioning and pass blocking. There's still a chance this could turn into a closer competition in training camp, but Remmers heads into the summer with a solid grip on the starting job.
Curb the UDFA Enthusiasm
In the days following the draft, it seemed like many Panthers' fans were more excited about two of the team's undrafted free agents additions. But receiver Keyarris Garrett and linebacker Jeremy Cash didn't make up much ground on the depth chart this spring.
Both are in logjams near the back of their position groups, and they'll need big training camps to separate themselves from the pack. Currently, undrafted rookie fullback Devon Johnson and tryout tight end Braxton Deaver have better chances to stick on the final 53-man roster.