{"id":182548,"date":"2024-07-22T18:02:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T22:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=182548"},"modified":"2024-07-23T12:00:06","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T16:00:06","slug":"2-undrafted-panthers-prospects-beginning-training-camp-differently","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/07\/22\/2-undrafted-panthers-prospects-beginning-training-camp-differently\/","title":{"rendered":"2 Top Undrafted Panthers Prospects Beginning Training Camp Differently"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/panthers\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Panthers<\/a> 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. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Roster opportunities are available, if not abundant, under the watch of rookie general manager Dan Morgan and coach Dave Canales. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/nfl\/carolina-panthers-training-camp-new-faces-roster-battles-and-important-practice-dates\/ar-BB1qp4bk?ocid=BingNewsSerp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Panthers open the preseason<\/a> at the New England Patriots on Aug. 8.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u2066With \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFL<\/a> veterans preparing to report to training camp Tuesday\u2069, \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Panthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Panthers<\/a>\u2069 are getting ready to snap into action \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KeepPounding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#KeepPounding<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BhPvugFsjE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/BhPvugFsjE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1815444885756924141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 22, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jalen Coker Starting Training Camp On PUP List\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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\u2019s short routes, Young didn\u2019t have many secondary outlets. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The 2021 Heisman Trophy recipient compiled a paltry 73.7 passer rating, and the Panthers produced a league-low 265.3 yards per game.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Helping reshape the wide receiver room by adding two potential playmakers \u2013 ex-Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Diontae Johnson and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thecharlottepost.com\/news\/2024\/04\/26\/panthers\/panthers-trade-up-late-draft-speedy-wr-xavier-legette\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">first-round draft pick Xavier Legette<\/a> \u2013\u00a0Morgan brought in Coker to compete for a roster spot.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Canales singled out Coker during rookie minicamp, the opening phase of the offseason program. Canales checked off Coker\u2019s scouting report.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cSize, instincts, top-of-route ability to separate,\u201d Canales said May 11. \u201cHe\u2019s 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cI mean, the guy really does have a cool skill set that he brings to us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Along with five teammates, Coker will begin training camp on the\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.panthers.com\/news\/two-more-players-added-to-active-pup-list-training-camp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">active\/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)\u00a0list<\/a>, 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 <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">During his final two seasons <a  href=\"https:\/\/goholycross.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/jalen-coker\/14006\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">at Holy Cross, Coker<\/a> recorded 109 receptions, 1,952 yards, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> 26 touchdowns. He flashed his skills, at times, on the Panthers\u2019 practice field this summer but needs to return soon to show more. Coker\u2019s injury remains undisclosed. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let\u2019s see what he looks like against NFL talent,\u201d Canales said. &#8220;I\u2019m <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">really<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> excited about him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Panthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Panthers<\/a>\u2069 undrafted rookie Jalen Coker will start training camp on \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFL<\/a>\u2069 PUP list. Is he a player to watch? \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KeepPounding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#KeepPounding<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/3tmc4KoCRB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/3tmc4KoCRB<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1815437131508314510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 22, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jeremiah Crawford Taking His Place In Line\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With Young absorbing a franchise-record 62 sacks last season, the Panthers\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ekwonu struggled last season after a strong finish to his rookie season. The former first-round draft pick remains one of the Panthers\u2019 biggest preseason \u201cX\u201d factors. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cI feel like last year, I didn\u2019t <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">really<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> take advantage of the resources <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that I had<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> available to me,\u201d Ekwonu said during a press conference <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">April<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> 29. \u201cI 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\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Panthers are counting on Ekwonu to rebound. If not, Morgan is beginning to line up prospects, like <a  href=\"https:\/\/utsports.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/jeremiah-crawford\/18993\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Crawford. At Tennessee<\/a>, the 6-5, 315-pounder flip-flopped from the right end to the left and yielded just two sacks during\u00a0817 offensive snaps.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Crawford&#8217;s footwork and hand placement remain a work in progress for offensive line coach Joe Gilbert.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Calanes\u2019 new offensive system calls for a run-first approach and a quicker passing tempo. Both philosophies should aid Ekwonu. \u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cIt\u2019s a great system for tackles,\u201d Canales said. \u201cWe 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cAnd then in our pass game, the basis <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">of it<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is to get the ball out quickly. When we do have to hold it, we\u2019ll try to help our tackles as much as possible when we can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Barring injury, the Panthers\u2019 offensive line is set, but Crawford appears to be in position to develop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">One of \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Panthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Panthers<\/a>\u2069 coach Dave Canales\u2019 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? \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KeepPounding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#KeepPounding<\/a> \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFL<\/a>\u2069 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pWaraKHSFz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/pWaraKHSFz<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1815442437625540853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 22, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Main Image: Jim Dedmon &#8211; USA Today Sports<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4299,"featured_media":182570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,36],"tags":[329,32633,32634,40,2769],"class_list":["post-182548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-panthers","category-nfl-news","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-dan-morgan","tag-dave-canales","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-training-camp"],"modified_by":"Isaac Zuniga","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4299"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182548"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182548\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/182570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}