Rookie minicamp was underway in Charlotte as 35 players practiced as Carolina Panthers for the first time. Friday’s rookie minicamp practice marked the first opportunity for the five draft picks, 12 undrafted rookies, and 18 tryout players to make an impression on the Panthers coaching staff.
“Good opportunity to make an impression for these two days,” head coach Frank Reich said.
This would be the first time draft picks could ramp up their learning process as the NFL limits the number of virtual meetings before rookie minicamp.
These rookies shined at Carolina Panthers Rookie Minicamp Day One
Before practice, players were in fast-paced meetings to install plays into the offense and defense. The first practice was slow-paced until 11-on-11 to end the practice. It was evident from positional drills and the 11 on 11 that rookie quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo were building chemistry with one another.
Bright and Early
Reporters showed up to practice an hour early to snap a photo of Young walking to the fields, but the number one pick was already throwing in the Atrium Health practice field bubble.
“This a huge day for me,” Young said on arriving early. “This was my first day of practice, and it was a lot of fun.”
It’s clear that Young is already displaying the extreme work ethic he’s followed throughout his football career. This will point to a promising future as he continues to evolve into an NFL quarterback.
“You have the sense that he’s willing to do whatever it takes,” Reich said on Young.
Once practice began, Young showed off his decision-making throughout his drills as he continued to learn the offense. His head coach tried not to speak too glowingly about Young withholding a few words back, but so far, Young has blown away Reich. At one moment, Reich had to tell reporters that it’s “too early ” to be talking about Young so highly, but the number one pick looks to be all that the Panthers hoped he was.
“Mentally and physically looked the part in every way,” Reich said on Young’s first practice. “He did every little thing right.”
Advice From a Panthers Legend
Former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. appeared at minicamp on his birthday, as he coached up the team and led a few drills. One of which caught the media’s attention was Smith coaching Panthers second-round pick Mingo.
“It’s dope,” Mingo said on working with Smith. “I’ve been looking up to Steve Smith since I was a kid, and I loved the attitude he brought to the game.”
Getting a lesson as a rookie from a five-time Pro Bowler on the first day of practice is an excellent welcome to NFL moment for Mingo.
“He gave me ins and outs of how to become a better football player,” Mingo said.
Mingo will be side by side with Young throughout his career as the Ole Miss wide receiver will have the opportunity to learn from veteran Pro Bowl wide receivers Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark. Unlike his fellow draftee in Young, who will start immediately, Mingo will have the chance to ease into the NFL by being the number three wide receiver in 2023.
Coach em up, Smitty! pic.twitter.com/VzvLCXporZ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 12, 2023
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
