Carolina Panthers OTA Notes and Photos

[Jeremy Igo]

Carolina Panthers 2016 OTA's kicked off this morning. Here are a few notes and photos worth seeing. 

The Panthers recently picked up a familiar training camp name, Marcus Lucas. Lucas transitioned to tight end from receiver last year. This year he looks more the part, having gained plenty of muscle. 

 

Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner are now entering their third year. This is the year many offensive line players start to come into their own. Considering their outstanding play over the past two seasons, it is hard to imagine they have yet to hit their ceiling. 

 

Cam Newton was sporting a new headband this morning. 

Instead of the typical elastic type, this one ties at the back. This is the kind of hard hitting journalism you have grown to expect from this site. 

Also.... Newton still goofs off a bit in drills, a disappointment to anyone hoping for a more solemn Cam Newton after the Superbowl loss. 

Wide receiver Stephen Hill showed up with a new mouthpiece and new abilities. Hill caught the ball very well, something he struggled with in the past. I did not personally see one drop from him on the day, when last year there were multiple every practice. 

 

GM Dave Gettleman attended practice despite having knee surgery recently. Gettleman had no brace, but did have a cane. 

 

Bene Benwikere did not practice with the team. He is recovering from a fractured leg still. However, he was catching balls on the sideline after practice. This was a very promising sign. 

Rookie nickel Zack Sanchez also stayed to catch a few balls and spending time around Bene. This could only help Sanchez's development. 

 

The last person off of the field was none other than Stephen Hill. He spent more time catching passes and talking to coaches than any other receiver. Read into that what you will. 

 

Random Notes: 

- Kurt Coleman and Tre Boston were the starting safeties most of the day, with Coleman actually playing the strong safety position frequently. This is something to keep an eye on. 

- James Bradberry and Robert McClain started at corner for the most amount of time. However, many different combinations were used throughout the day. Everyone is getting a look. It appears to be truly an open competition. 

- Brenton Bersin continues to make play after play after play across the middle. He may have been the best receiver on the field today. Haters, continue hating. 

- Daryl Williams and Mike Remmers split time at starting right tackle. This is one of the more intriguing camp competitions to watch this year. 

- Receiver Norwood had a nice grab today over Robert MClain. There is a serious logjam for that 5th receiver position, and it won't be getting loosened up any time soon. The decision will likely come down to the 4th preseason game. 

- The running back pecking order has not changed since last season. Artis-Payne and Wegher both appear to have their work cut out for them again behind Stewart, Whitaker and Tolbert. 

 

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[PanthersAlv]

I am here for the hard hitting headband reports. I stay for the photos. :)

[pantherclaw]

Thank you, Jeremy. 

[KB_fan]

I like that look for Stephen Hill.  The mouth guard makes him look like a fierce and formidable competitor.   Granted it's just a couple of photos, but he looks focused.  Also, sounds like he wants to catch some of that J-No mojo.  (Last year it was always J-No who was last off the field, IIRC, and look at the season he had!)

[Dunn]

Hills eyes are actually looking at the ball...this is a good sign.

[crushcard1976]

How did Garrett and Sandland look in OTAs

[TheWiz]

This is going to get interesting. 

Best thing about this article is the injury report. 

Great work Jeremy. 

[shaqattaq]

27 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

- Brenton Bersin continues to make play after play after play across the middle. He may have been the best receiver on the field today. Haters, continue hating. 

It's hard to find anything not to like about this guy, I just wish he was a little more talented. I'd be very surprised if he weren't the odd man out this year. I wish him a long and prosperous career in the arena league.

[Ship]

You really can't go wrong rooting for any of the WRs competing for a spot this year. Everyone is all in and locked in. Everyone put in extra work this offseason and everyone is vying to take a big step. So many good stories too. It's gonna feel nearly impossible to cut down this group.

This is the effect of Gettleman and the coaching staff turning their eye to the WR talent pool since Kelvin was drafted in 2014. Now we're overflowing. I kinda expect us to be in the same situation with CBs in a couple of years.

[Nate Dogg]

Sheesh. Gman should go on the exempt list for that outfit.

[SOJA]

Interesting that we had Coleman at SS, he excelled last year at FS for us 

WR is getting interesting 

The only locks I see are KB, Funch, and Ginn- I truly think the rest is wide open with Philly having an edge over the other guys. 

[Chaos]

[Untouchable]

Always great stuff to hear thanks. Much different tone from last year regarding Hill and more of the same for Bersin. I figure you can't see much for the DE competition but any word on the new punters? 

[Nick_81]

The WR and CB battle is going to be truly epic this year.  I can't wait to see how that unfolds, because we actually have quite a few talented guys, despite what a lot of people think.

The battle for RT will also be pretty good.  It's smart of them to split time like that, for right now.  When the pads go on, we'll see who rises fair and square, as they say.