5 Panthers players whose stock soared at 2022 mandatory minicamp

Derek Wright – Carolina Panthers WR

With so many veterans getting the opportunity to coach from the sidelines, it was a chance for the Carolina Panthers to get a closer look at younger players looking to carve out their own paths. This was a good audition for many in pursuit of hopefully doing enough to win roster spots or perhaps make their way onto the practice squad if all else fails.

One player who did more than most to help himself throughout Carolina’s mandatory minicamp was Derek Wright. The undrafted free agent has a steep task ahead of him in the coming weeks, but the wide receiver can look back at his contribution throughout the week with a great sense of pride.

Wright failed to hear his name called during the 2022 NFL Draft despite a productive final season at Utah State that came with 789 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns from just 48 receptions.

The player took the eye over the first two days and especially throughout Wednesday’s practice, drawing praise from Jonathan Alexander of the Charlotte Observer and others in attendance.

Whether this is enough for Wright to enter roster consideration is debatable. Carolina has an abundance of talent in their wide receiver room and even though production was dismal outside of D.J. Moore in 2021, it will take a significant amount for an undrafted prospect to unseat some established figures.