5 early observations from first Panthers training camp practice
By Dean Jones
![(Alex Hicks Jr./Spartanburg Herald-Journal via IMAGN Content Services) Sam Darnold (Alex Hicks Jr./Spartanburg Herald-Journal via IMAGN Content Services) Sam Darnold](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16467780-850x560-88271c2ca6952dde6ea463de2dedbb42ec39eb92bbb91d646c5ef96415d43756.jpg)
Carolina Panthers CB group impressed
It’s hard not to be impressed by the acquisitions at cornerback this offseason. Although it was only the first day of practice, there already appears to be far more athleticism and swagger with this current group than the one at Phil Snow’s disposal last time around.
The Carolina Panthers used the No. 8 overall selection on Jaycee Horn, who displayed his athleticism during 7-on-7 drills and his break off the ball is also something that really caught the eye of those in attendance.
Horn will be expected to shoulder plenty of responsibility alongside Donte Jackson and A.J. Bouye, who also stood at times on Day 1. If all three can hit the ground running when the real action begins, it could be the catalyst behind this defense being one of the NFL’s best in 2021.
There is a long way to go, obviously.
As stated previously, the early portion of training camp is similar to OTAs and mandatory minicamp before things get more testing. But the corners left plenty of reasons to be encouraged on their physical attributes alone.
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General manager Scott Fitterer stated his belief that things could take off for this defense in his availability to media on moving-in day. Judging by the options at Carolina’s disposal, it’s not hard to see why.