The Carolina Panthers held their first organized team activities (OTA) practice of the season Monday. Here’s what we stood out during the session.
Talking
Dave Canales and his staff seem to be big on communication. Whether it was coaches communicating with players or players communicating with each other there was a lot of talking. Which is a good thing. This is the time to ask questions. This is the time to teach. This is the time to build rapport. Loud practices are always a better sign than quiet ones.
Seamless Transition
After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Carolina Panthers released starting center Bradley Bozeman. And although solidifying the offense line was a clear priority during the offseason, Dan Morgan and company opted not to sign or draft a center. That job went to former offensive guard Austin Corbett. Corbett, whose season was cut short after sustaining a knee injury in November of last year, has played limited snaps at center in the NFL, but you couldn’t tell that Monday. During the 11v11 portion of practice there didn’t appear to be any issues with the exchanges between him and quarterback Bryce Young.
Tight End Touches
The tight ends got a lot of touches during the 11v11 and 7v7 portion of practice. Ian Thomas connected with Bryce Young on a roughly 20 yard catch with nothing but green in front of him. It was one of several connections the two made during the practice. The Panthers have struggled with getting the tight end position involved in the offense since the departure of Greg Olsen, but if Monday’s practice is any indication of what’s to come, expect that to change this season.
Trying Something New
Cornerback Jayce Horn has struggled to stay on the field since the Panthers selected him in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL draft, but the former South Carolina standout has no doubt about what he can do if he’s healthy. I asked him if he’s changed up his offseason workouts this year in an effort to stave off the injury bug. Horn shared with us that he’s changed his weight lifting regime.
“I did more weight lifting,” Horn said “Trying to get back to the college program where I’m just lifting heavy and build my body back up and reset everything.”
The Panthers picked up Horn’s 5th year option this offseason, but if he hopes to cash out on his 2nd contract he knows he’ll have to prove he can stay healthy this upcoming season.