{"id":184346,"date":"2024-08-08T15:31:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T19:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=184346"},"modified":"2024-08-08T15:31:12","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T19:31:12","slug":"two-second-year-prospects-panthers-fans-need-to-watch-in-nfl-preseason-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/08\/08\/two-second-year-prospects-panthers-fans-need-to-watch-in-nfl-preseason-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Second-Year Prospects Panthers Fans Need To Watch In NFL Preseason Opener"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For NFL insiders looking to gain early insight on the Carolina Panthers facing the host New England Patriots on Thursday night, they will have trouble gauging the top prospects\u00a0on the\u00a0league\u2019s worst team last season.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Panthers\u2019 top two rookies \u2013 first-rounder Xavier Legette and second-rounder <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/08\/04\/panthers-training-camp-news-jonathon-brooks-out\/\" target=\"_self\">Jonathon Brooks<\/a> \u2013\u00a0will open the three-game preseason schedule sidelined with injuries. Both are expected to eventually play major roles, although Brooks (knee) is not expected back until at least <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.panthers.com\/schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Week 4 of the regular season<\/a>. Legette (lower leg) remains day-to-day.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who registered the league\u2019s lowest passer rating last season (73.7), also will be held out against the Patriots.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Two rising second-year players could prove to be important pieces to the Panthers rebounding from last season\u2019s 2-15 mark: Jonathan Mingo and DJ Johnson. Both struggled as rookies, but through the offseason program and 10 training camp practices, they have positioned themselves to play prominent roles.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They still must prove themselves at the NFL level, though, and that starts Thursday against the Patriots.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Injured \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Panthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Panthers<\/a>\u2069 rookie RB Jonathon Brooks could only watch offseason \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFL<\/a>\u2069 practices but contributed other ways \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OOHiBZ4eYZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/OOHiBZ4eYZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1803306347871502666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 19, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DJ Johnson Moves Into Starting Role<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the Panthers released their first depth chart Tuesday, casual observers may have been surprised to see Johnson listed as a starting outside linebacker, opposite\u00a0Jadeveon\u00a0Clowney. As a rookie, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thecharlottepost.com\/news\/2024\/08\/07\/panthers\/late-bloomer-dj-johnson-climbs-panthers-depth-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johnson failed to make much of an impact<\/a>. In fact, he was a healthy scratch for the opening three games.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In 13 appearances, Johnson failed to record a sack or quarterback hit.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The way Johnson performed during his second training camp, Clowney remains confident in his edge partner in the Panthers\u2019 3-4 base defense.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cHe\u2019s definitely one of the best edge setters that we have out there,\u201d Clowney told reporters. \u201cSetting the edge, stopping the run, DJ definitely brings that physicality to the game and you need that out of the guys around you.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Panthers need Johnson to emerge as a consistent pass-rush threat, especially with D.J. Wonnum, the presumed starter, recovering from a partially torn quadriceps.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cDJ, he&#8217;s doing fantastic,\u201d coach Dave Canales said last Saturday. \u201cHe\u2019s the effort and the style we&#8217;re looking for. DJ&#8217;s exemplifying that. So, I&#8217;m really hoping to see what he gets to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Carolina Panthers LB DJ Johnson talks about ups and downs of being an NFL rookie \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/FDFNy96F7s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/FDFNy96F7s<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1712557704953074074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 12, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jonathan Mingo Catching On To NFL Business<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the Panthers drafted Mingo 39th overall during the 2023 draft, the previous Panthers regime envisioned the 6-foot-2, 220-pound wide receiver would be in a position to grow with Young, who was selected first overall.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Their early growth, however, stalled with the offensive dysfunction that led to the Panthers ranking last in yards per game (265.3). Mingo failed to display much big-play potential, compiling 48 catches for 418 yards and zero touchdowns. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Determined,<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thecharlottepost.com\/news\/2024\/08\/01\/panthers\/jonathan-mingo-s-panthers-allies-offer-helping-hands\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Mingo sought out the help<\/a> of Hall of Famer Steve Smith Sr., who took him to his version of wide receiver school.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThis is Steve Smith and Jonathan Mingo, adjoined to the hip,&#8221; Smith said. &#8220;He calls me, I call him. When I see something or he has a question, there\u2019s an open line of communication.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mingo also trained with Young \u201ca couple of times,\u201d over the summer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The former Mississippi standout apparently learned his lessons well.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI\u2019m just trying to go out there and capitalize on my opportunities every day,\u201d Mingo said July 29. \u201cI just got a better feel for the game,\u201d Mingo said. \u201cI feel like me and him got a good groove together right now.\u201d<\/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 QB Bryce Young on Tuesday talks about the improvement WR Jonathan Mingo has shown during his 2nd \u2066<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFL<\/a>\u2069 training camp \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\/TkLPeFegWR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/TkLPeFegWR<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1818336768934007172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Main Image: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For NFL insiders looking to gain early insight on the Carolina Panthers facing the host New England Patriots on Thursday night, they will have trouble gauging the top prospects\u00a0on the\u00a0league\u2019s worst team last season.\u00a0 The Panthers\u2019 top two rookies \u2013 first-rounder Xavier Legette and second-rounder Jonathon Brooks \u2013\u00a0will open the three-game preseason schedule sidelined with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4299,"featured_media":184446,"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":[30,5,36],"tags":[329,32634,10305,9790,38],"class_list":["post-184346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-panthers","category-patriots","category-nfl-news","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-dave-canales","tag-dj-johnson","tag-jonathan-mingo","tag-new-england-patriots"],"modified_by":"Drew Crabtree","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184346","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=184346"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184346\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/184446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=184346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=184346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=184346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}