Panthers Rookie Report - Day 1

[Jeremy Igo]

Each day during Carolina Panthers training camp I will be giving a few observations on how some of the Panthers rookies are shaping up according to their performance that day. Not all rookies will be discussed, as I only have a single set of eyeballs. 

Offensive Tackle Daryl Williams seems to have improved since OTAs. This may be because contact is allowed now, giving a guy like Williams his full arsenal to work with. 

Williams was able to get out of his stance quicker, kick that back foot and not letting speedy defensive ends around him as easily. 

Ron Rivera watched on as Williams demonstrated his improved technique. 

Note: Daryl Williams spent time in drills on the right AND the left side. A sign of things to come? Could be. 

Cameron Artis-Payne had the crowds in the stands and on the lawn pretty excited. He showed a really nice second gear once he got past the defensive line. He also covered up and protected the ball well. At this point you could not ask for much more from a rookie runningback. 

Devin Funchess had a relatively quiet day. Nothing negative to report, but not much positive as well. He caught the ball well in drills, but did not have many opportunities in team drills. 

 

View full article

[Donald LaFell]

and the 1st rounder?

[PanthersUnited]

Hmm surprised about Funchess considering how good he looked in OTAs and such, I was wondering why I didn't see much of him yesterday, wonder what's up

[tiger7_88]

CAP is mah boy, Blue!

Not that I want Fozzy or Todman or Wegher to fail.

I just want CAP to ball out.

(All assuming Stewie is the starter.)

[tiger7_88]

Yeah I need to hear something on Shaq ASAP. I've almost forgotten that we drafted him with his lack of involvement.

and I wish CAP had a different number than 34.

Being a long-time Auburn guy, 34 doesn't bother me cuz the first thing I think of is Bo Jackson... lol.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Good to hear about Daryl, loved his game at oklahoma. Wonder if he can take the job from remmers in camp

[caatfan]

CAP wants another number too- #1, as in number one RB. I think he'll settle for #2 this season though, although it sounds like Fozzy may have a problem with that.

I hope Williams continues to improve. We need to move up to at least average on OL play.

[KB_fan]

Here's a Q&A Video with Shaq Thompson from Panthers.com

[Pejorative Miscreant]

and the 1st rounder?

I have tempered expectations for Shaq, at least in the early going. I think he will be good and consistent enough to supplant Klein as a starter for the opening week but really don't expect to consistently see the wow factor until the middle of the season or so. I think he will flash but do think there be a learning curve for both him and the coaching staff. This is not a knock on him, I am really glad he was our pick and think he is a future pro bowler. I just think it's going to take some time for him to naturally fit in and reach his true potential.

[propagandamachine]

I have tempered expectations for Shaq, at least in the early going. I think he will be good and consistent enough to supplant Klein as a starter for the opening week but really don't expect to consistently see the wow factor until the middle of the season or so. I think he will flash but do think there be a learning curve for both him and the coaching staff. This is not a knock on him, I am really glad he was our pick and think he is a future pro bowler. I just think it's going to take some time for him to naturally fit in and reach his true potential.

Bro you're just spoilt by having nothing but studs for close to nothing - Thomas Davis like etc This kid just like Luke will light it up

[t96]

and the 1st rounder?

I watched Shaq like a hawk for a while in that practice and to me he looked extremely good in the individual drills. His movements were on par with TD and Luke's. Rivera was running one of the drills and I saw him pat Shaq on the helmet a few times, and no one else. Not sure if that means much. On the other hand though Rivera did stop the drill once to yell at Shaq. Couldn't tell what he did wrong there. Didn't notice him as much in team drills. His athleticism definitely is as elite as was advertised.

[captfluoro]

Williams may have improved his first step but in the picture he's moving before the ball has been snapped which equals a flag.  But the DE is also moving so he could have drawn into movement and if that is the case, good reflexes on his part.

[t96]

Williams may have improved his first step but in the picture he's moving before the ball has been snapped which equals a flag.  But the DE is also moving so he could have drawn into movement and if that is the case, good reflexes on his part.

In some drills they don't snap the ball.

[Paa Langfart]

I am really interested in how Mayo does.