{"id":141509,"date":"2023-05-13T15:30:03","date_gmt":"2023-05-13T19:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=141509"},"modified":"2023-05-13T05:57:04","modified_gmt":"2023-05-13T09:57:04","slug":"rookies-shined-panthers-rookie-minicamp-day-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/05\/13\/rookies-shined-panthers-rookie-minicamp-day-one\/","title":{"rendered":"These rookies shined at Carolina Panthers Rookie Minicamp Day One"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rookie minicamp was underway in Charlotte as 35 players practiced as Carolina Panthers for the first time.\u00a0 <\/span>Friday\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood opportunity to make an impression for these two days,\u201d head coach Frank Reich said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These rookies shined at Carolina Panthers Rookie Minicamp Day One<\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>11 on 11<\/span><\/a> that rookie quarterback <\/span>Bryce Young<\/span><\/a> and wide receiver <\/span>Jonathan Mingo<\/span><\/a> were building chemistry with one another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bright and Early<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis a huge day for me,\u201d Young said on arriving early. \u201cThis was my first day of practice, and it was a lot of fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that Young is already displaying the extreme work ethic he\u2019s followed throughout his football career. This will point to a promising future as he continues to evolve into an NFL quarterback.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the sense that he\u2019s willing to do whatever it takes,\u201d Reich said on Young.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Mentally and physically looked the part in every way,\u201d Reich said on Young\u2019s first practice. \u201cHe did every little thing right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Advice From a Panthers Legend<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\u2019s attention was Smith coaching Panthers second-round pick Mingo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s dope,\u201d Mingo said on working with Smith. \u201cI\u2019ve been looking up to Steve Smith since I was a kid, and I loved the attitude he brought to the game.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe gave me ins and outs of how to become a better football player,\u201d Mingo said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Coach em up, Smitty! pic.twitter.com\/VzvLCXporZ<\/a><\/p>\n

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 12, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n