With the Carolina Panthers preparing to welcome the veterans to training camp Tuesday, the rookies will be waiting. The first-year prospects have been working out on the new training fields behind Bank of America Stadium since Friday. Coming off an NFL-worst 2-15 campaign, the new-look Panthers, who made no fewer than 76 roster moves during the offseason, continue their talent search.
Roster opportunities are available, if not abundant, under the watch of rookie general manager Dan Morgan and coach Dave Canales. Training camp offers lower-end prospects a chance to put plays on film. Through the offseason program, two undrafted free agents, wide receiver Jalen Coker and offensive lineman Jeremiah Crawford, appear to be players to watch when the Panthers open the preseason at the New England Patriots on Aug. 8.
With @NFL veterans preparing to report to training camp Tuesday, @Panthers are getting ready to snap into action … #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/BhPvugFsjE
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 22, 2024
Jalen Coker Starting Training Camp On PUP List
Quarterback Bryce Young struggled with developing chemistry with his wide receivers as he mostly struggled through his rookie season. Adam Thielen finished with 103 catches, but once opponents started focusing on taking away the possession receiver’s short routes, Young didn’t have many secondary outlets. The 2021 Heisman Trophy recipient compiled a paltry 73.7 passer rating, and the Panthers produced a league-low 265.3 yards per game.
Helping reshape the wide receiver room by adding two potential playmakers – ex-Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Diontae Johnson and first-round draft pick Xavier Legette – Morgan brought in Coker to compete for a roster spot. Canales singled out Coker during rookie minicamp, the opening phase of the offseason program. Canales checked off Coker’s scouting report. “Size, instincts, top-of-route ability to separate,” Canales said May 11. “He’s really crafty in zones. He knows how to find the open spaces. Has a little cool run-after-catch, too. He can break some tackles because of the size that he brings. Attacks the ball at the high point.”
The often over-exuberant first-year coach paused at the podium to take a breath. His praise of the 6-foot-3, 213-pounder continued. “I mean, the guy really does have a cool skill set that he brings to us.” Along with five teammates, Coker will begin training camp on the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but can be activated at any time. Also on the PUP list: rookie running back Jonathan Brooks, rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, wide receiver Cam Sims, offensive tackle Yosh Nijman and outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno. During his final two seasons at Holy Cross, Coker recorded 109 receptions, 1,952 yards, and 26 touchdowns. He flashed his skills, at times, on the Panthers’ practice field this summer but needs to return soon to show more. Coker’s injury remains undisclosed. Let’s see what he looks like against NFL talent,” Canales said. “I’m really excited about him.”
@Panthers undrafted rookie Jalen Coker will start training camp on @NFL PUP list. Is he a player to watch? … #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/3tmc4KoCRB
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 22, 2024
Jeremiah Crawford Taking His Place In Line
With Young absorbing a franchise-record 62 sacks last season, the Panthers’ new regime remains committed to addressing offensive line depth. The Panthers enter training camp planning on Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton to bookend the line, with high-priced free agents Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis holding down the starting guard roles and Austin Corbett transitioning to center.
Ekwonu struggled last season after a strong finish to his rookie season. The former first-round draft pick remains one of the Panthers’ biggest preseason “X” factors. In 1,148 snaps last season, the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder yielded 11 sacks and 44 quarterback pressures. As a rookie Ekwonu surrendered just four sacks over the final 16 weeks.
“I feel like last year, I didn’t really take advantage of the resources that I had available to me,” Ekwonu said during a press conference April 29. “I feel I kinda just . . . kinda just, I guess, riding the coattails of that rookie season a little bit. Feel like I was at a place where I just wasn’t.”
The Panthers are counting on Ekwonu to rebound. If not, Morgan is beginning to line up prospects, like Crawford. At Tennessee, the 6-5, 315-pounder flip-flopped from the right end to the left and yielded just two sacks during 817 offensive snaps. Crawford’s footwork and hand placement remain a work in progress for offensive line coach Joe Gilbert.
Calanes’ new offensive system calls for a run-first approach and a quicker passing tempo. Both philosophies should aid Ekwonu. “It’s a great system for tackles,” Canales said. “We run the ball. We play-action (pass), which engages as a run first (and) it gives them a little chance to get their hands on a guy and be physical. “And then in our pass game, the basis of it is to get the ball out quickly. When we do have to hold it, we’ll try to help our tackles as much as possible when we can.” Barring injury, the Panthers’ offensive line is set, but Crawford appears to be in position to develop.
One of @Panthers coach Dave Canales’ offseason goals is to get the OL to provide QB Bryce Young at least 2.7 seconds in the pocket. Can the offensive front accomplish that task? … #KeepPounding @NFL pic.twitter.com/pWaraKHSFz
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 22, 2024
Main Image: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
