2024 Carolina Panthers training camp preview
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers will open their 2024 training camp on July 23 at Bank of America Stadium and the team's new practice facility.
Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Did new general manager Dan Morgan do enough to help Bryce Young succeed?
He revamped the middle of an offensive line that was a disaster last season, allowing 35 of the team's 62 sacks. He traded for a proven receiver in Diontae Johnson and traded into the first round to select South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette. He got arguably the best running back in the draft in Jonathon Brooks and one of the top tight ends in Ja'Tavian Sanders. He was part of the process to select head coach Dave Canales, a so-called quarterback whisperer. Morgan has done enough that if Young doesn't make a drastic improvement, then Morgan (or the next GM) may be looking for another quarterback in 2025.
The player with the most to prove: Ikem Ekwonu
This easily could be Young, but let's mix it up and go with another first-round pick, left tackleEkwonu. Young was sacked 19 times from blocks Ekownu was responsible for in 2023, according to ESPN Stats & Information. That's more than any other player in the league. But instead of replacing the No. 6 overall pick of the 2022 draft, the Panthers rebuilt the interior of the line, believing Ekwonu will improve with better players around him and with a more dedicated run game. It's somewhat of a gamble, but there weren't a lot of great options. And Ekwonu doubled down, saying, "I know I can play left tackle at an elite level in this league.''
Most compelling position battle: Running back
The Panthers selected Brooks in the second round, believing he has the versatility to be one of the best all-around backs in the league. However, he is recovering from surgery to repair a torn right ACL and will be brought along slowly, beginning camp on the physically unable to perform list, so exactly when he'll be ready to take charge remains a mystery. Chuba Hubbard emerged as the starter last season with 902 yards rushing and is entering a contract year, so he has a lot to prove. Then there's Miles Sanders, who got a four-year, $25.4 million deal last season to be the starter and then lost the job, so he's motivated. Each has a reason to believe he should be the starter, so it'll be interesting how the reps pan out.
Most impactful offseason addition: Diontae Johnson
The trade to acquire Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers gave Young a legitimate No. 1 receiver who can create separation. He'll help open up passing lanes for other receivers and the tight ends, who should see an expanded role in Canales' offense. Johnson's open score ranking -- an ESPN analytic that defines the likelihood of a receiver being able to complete a catch if targeted -- ranks first over the past two seasons. None of Carolina's receivers ranked higher than 37thlast season.
Center of attention: Austin Corbett has 62 starts in 76 NFL games -- all at guard
The last time he played center was during the 2018 and 2019 preseasons with the Cleveland Browns. Yet the Panthers released Bradley Bozeman, who gave up eight sacks in 2023, during the offseason and will open camp with Corbett as the starting center with no serious threat to challenge him. Listening to Canales and Corbett, it doesn't feel like an issue, but there is still a prove-it factor here at a key position.
