Carolina Panthers training camp awards: 2021 edition
By Dean Jones
It was another eventful training camp for the Carolina Panthers, but who came away from a testing few weeks with the most credit?
The Carolina Panthers made their triumphant return to Wofford College in Spartanburg for training camp ahead of the 2021 season. All eyes were on Matt Rhule and his ever-changing roster throughout a strenuous few weeks, which saw joint practices held with the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens as well as plenty of intensity once the pads came on.
Hopefully, this will stand the Panthers in good stead when it’s time to hit the gridiron in Week 1 against the New York Jets. The campaign could go either way in all honesty, although there is enough talent for progression to come in the second year of Rhule’s tenure.
Getting a true preparation period means one less excuse for Carolina next season. Significant complications last summer due to COVID-19 made things even more difficult, with the Panthers one of the worst affected anywhere in the league when one considers the number of big changes made across the board following the 2019 campaign.
There have been some really encouraging signs to come from camp. However, some problem positional groups could jeopardize their chances of making a splash when competitive action begins.
It was a fascinating camp and something that brought the team closer together beyond all doubt. Here are our 2021 training camp awards, starting with the best rookie.