Panthers minicamp observations and such

[Zod]

Good day ladies and gentlemen. Here are a few observations from minicamp after watching yesterday. Again, some things cannot be said due to team policies.

 

- The two positions that you can get the best feel for in OTAs are the receivers and corners. Those guys have very little contact to begin with. If I had to choose a group that won it would be the corners. This group is much improved over last season. Of course, Terrace Marshall and Shi Smith were not practicing, that may have helped. Coach Rhule remarked after practice that the corners also are better than advertised this offseason.

- TE Dan Arnold looks like the most fluid route runner and pass catcher since Greg Olsen. The guy just knows the soft spot of the zone and anticipates the ball being there with great hands to match. So much to be said for a player like that. I have no idea how well he blocks, but at the very least he could add something interesting to third downs. 

- I don't believe enough has been said about DaQuan Jones and Derek Brown playing next to each other. These dudes are big and athletic. I have a feeling once the pads are on they are going to create some havoc. 

- Jeremy Chinn is turning into the leader of this defense. He is a different guy on the sideline this season. Much more relaxed, talkative, and amped at the same time. 

- Sam Darnold has thrown some really nice quick passes on crossing routes. He has looked good overall, but I've noticed just the right amount of zip and great placement on those passes in particular. Nice, because those are some of the most difficult to defend.

- Grier had a better day. His only pick thrown was because the perfectly placed ball went right through the hands of the receiver. 

- Pretty much the entire day was team situational work. 11 on 11, here is the situation, now go score (or stop them from scoring). These are the most fun practices to watch, imo. There was a whole lot of killing the clock and getting the field goal off very quickly. Was actually pretty impressive.

 

If you have any specific questions I'll try to answer if I can.

 

 

[ThPantherFan]

Thanks, Jeremy, for all your hard work giving us the best information possible. 

[Pup McBarky]

18 minutes ago, Zod said:

Jeremy Chinn is turning into the leader of this defense. He is a different guy on the sideline this season. Much more relaxed, talkative, and amped at the same time. 

Good. I was hoping he would step into that role. 

[kungfoodude]

In the CB's versus WR's battles, do you feel like we are as good of a unit as last year in the WR ranks?

Who is standing out the most at CB and WR? Doesn't necessarily have to be the new players, just who are the stand out guys overall. 

[Zod]

14 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

In the CB's versus WR's battles, do you feel like we are as good of a unit as last year in the WR ranks?

Who is standing out the most at CB and WR? Doesn't necessarily have to be the new players, just who are the stand out guys overall. 

Losing Curtis Samuel hurt. If the guys practicing yesterday was all we had then yeah, big step backwards. But maybe Terrace Marshall and/or Shi Smith will make us better when they start practicing. 

 

Bouye and Jackson have looked very good. The rookie Taylor has also made plays. If Horn hasn't practiced much but if he can get up to speed quickly then the whole unit is going to be so much better than last season. 

[Khyber53]

Thanks for the info on this. You've seen a lot of these offseason training opportunities over the years and your judgement is pretty educated.

Do you think Chinn is going to become a Mike Minter back there at safety? Before Luke came around, Mike was the best at reading offenses and moving his chess pieces around to put us in good position. 

Also, any sightings of Christian Miller? Linebacker or DE? 

[Zod]

2 minutes ago, Khyber53 said:

Thanks for the info on this. You've seen a lot of these offseason training opportunities over the years and your judgement is pretty educated.

Do you think Chinn is going to become a Mike Minter back there at safety? Before Luke came around, Mike was the best at reading offenses and moving his chess pieces around to put us in good position. 

Also, any sightings of Christian Miller? Linebacker or DE? 

Miller hasn't practiced. I think he has been in a red shirt the entire time.

 

I don't think we have had someone like Chinn before. For some reason he reminds me of Jon Beason more than anyone in terms of his demeanor. 

[KSpan]

Where has Reddick been lining up most frequently?

[Zod]

2 minutes ago, KSpan said:

Where has Reddick been lining up most frequently?

Where players line up is one of those things I get dinged for if I divulge 

[bLACKpANTHER]

How has Darnold looking throwing compared to Delhomme, Bridgewater & Cam?

I haven't been to a ton of practices but I'm sure You can see a difference in starting caliber QBs compared to the Griers, Allens and David Carrs of the past.

[Zod]

2 minutes ago, bLACKpANTHER said:

How has Darnold looking throwing compared to Delhomme, Bridgewater & Cam

Not as comfortable as those guys but that's to be expected as he is new to system. Bridgewater looked more comfortable having played in New Orleans. Going to take Darnold more time to get acclimated.

[therealmjl]

How does Nate Chandler look? Any chance we convert him to OT?

[Zod]

9 minutes ago, therealmjl said:

How does Nate Chandler look? Any chance we convert him to OT?

No, he isn't left handed.

[ncstatekwi]

Great stuff and thanks for the update!!!