Panthers Rookie Report - Day 4

[Jeremy Igo]

After four Panthers training camp practices, we are starting to see what the Panthers 2015 are bringing to the table. Here are some of the more notable performances.

Shaq Thompson has come on strong and is now getting many reps with the first string defense. He seems especially effective on the delayed blitzes where his speed is causing fits for the offensive line. It may be a while before the game slows down for him, but all signs right now are positive. 

Daryl Williams took first string snaps today, filling in for Mike Remmers who was playing center (Ryan Kalil had the day off). Williams looks stout in run blocking and is able to get a real push against the Panthers starting defensive line. Improvements can be made in pass protection, espescially against speedier defensive ends. 

Rookie receiver Devin Funchess started camp off slow, but has begun to come on strong as of late. He made multiple catches today in team drills. His route running may be his weakest point, which was a known when the Panthers drafted him. Cuts and turns could be sharper. Funchess does display excellent hands and athletic ability. 

Cameron Artis-Payne is doing all he can to move up the depth chart. Payne impressed in goal line drills today when the play was designed as a run to the left, but instead he saw an open hole and cut it back quickly to the inside for the touchdown. He showed excellent vision and burst. Improvements still need to be made in pass protection if he is to get any real playing time, however. If you cannot pass protect as a running back on the Panthers, you won't see many snaps. 

 

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[KSpan]

Assuming nothing notable since Mayo isn't mentioned, but any general impressions of him now that the pads are on?

[Jeremy Igo]

Assuming nothing notable since Mayo isn't mentioned, but any general impressions of him now that the pads are on?

still an unknown. Hasn't made any plays of note that I have seen.

[Mr. Scot]

Cameron Artis-Payne is doing all he can to move up the depth chart. Payne impressed in goal line drills today when the play was designed as a run to the left, but instead he saw an open hole and cut it back quickly to the inside for the touchdown. He showed excellent vision and burst. Improvements still need to be made in pass protection if he is to get any real playing time, however. If you cannot pass protect as a running back on the Panthers, you won't see many snaps. 

To be fair, exceptions have been made to that rule before.

(there was that one guy...)

[Seltzer]

Do you think the coaches see any value in having a guy like Damiere Byrd as the 6th WR (since that position will likely be one of the inactives on gameday) vs. keeping a Bersin or Boykin in that role? I'm assuming KB, Funchess, Ginn, Brown, and Cotchery are pretty much locks.

I can see the appeal in trying to stash him on the Patrice Squad since he has availability and the other 2 don't, but his speed is impossible to ignore and it sounds like he has a lot better hands than most gave him credit for going into the draft.  

To me, with Olsen, Dickson, KB, Funchess, Cotchery, & Brown, the Panthers have more than enough WR weapons to move the chains.  But outside of Ginn there are no burners on this team (and sorry I like Corey Brown a lot but he is not a burner in the sense of 'if he get's behind the defense he's not ever getting caught').  Brown may be a better overall receiver than Ginn, but Ginn does have the speed that make defensive coordinators pause, even if his hands have never been good enough to warrant a complete change in the game plan.

I just think if they do keep 6, I don't see why you wouldn't keep another burner instead of a "possession receiver."  This is provided Byrd continue to show in the preseason, but just my thoughts.

[davos]

Wasn't CAP's pass protection abilities one of his strengths coming in? I'm sure he'll need to improve (given the what's in the OP) but I thought that was one of the reasons DG mentioned we grabbed him over some other RBs.  

[Jeremy Igo]

Wasn't CAP's pass protection abilities one of his strengths coming in? I'm sure he'll need to improve (given the what's in the OP) but I thought that was one of the reasons DG mentioned we grabbed him over some other RBs.  

 Not sure,  but he has a bit of room for improvement in that area against pro players. 

[davos]

 Not sure,  but he has a bit of room for improvement in that area against pro players. 

Yeah that's what I'd imagine.  Good stuff so far this offseason man.  You've been killing it with the updates. 

[juliosantos]

any one else feel that williams would be a better lt then oher? 

[ItsPantone278]

any one else feel that williams would be a better lt then oher? 

what gave you that impression?

[beastson]

Byrd?

[Chauncey Ellerbee]

Bryd

[motocross_cat]

Funch looks like the kid from the show every one hates chris

[juliosantos]

what gave you that impression?

i got that impression with oher getting bent by alexander and getting crushed by addison . williams held his own vs c.j . im a beliver in earning a spot rather then getting the spot handed to you , oher should have to compete