4 major surprises from Carolina Panthers 2022 training camp so far
By Dean Jones
What are some major surprises to emerge from Carolina Panthers training camp so far ahead of the new 2022 season?
With so much at stake for the Carolina Panthers in 2022, this year’s training camp was more important than most. Those in power within the franchise managed to strengthen the roster overall during a strong period of recruitment this offseason, but it’s now up to the coaching staff to put the right foundations in place for a successful campaign at long last.
The Panthers bedded their players in slowly before the pads went on this week. Something that’s raised intensity as expected in the stifling heat that normally envelops Spartanburg at this time of year.
Spirits are good and competition for places is high right now. With preseason games on the immediate horizon, expect some plans to be finalized and fierce debate in other cases if certain individuals begin staking a bigger claim.
With that being said, here are four major surprises from Carolina’s 2022 training camp so far.
Major Surprise No. 1
Carolina Panthers CB C.J. Henderson’s growth
There were some serious questions about cornerback C.J. Henderson heading into this offseason. The Carolina Panthers took things slowly with the former first-round pick following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, building up confidence with a view to the player potentially making more of an impact in 2022.
Thankfully, this approach coupled with the presence of defensive backs coach Steve Wilks seems to have given Henderson a new lease of life. The Florida product looks the part and has a different mindset this time around, which could be another tremendous asset for the defense throughout the upcoming campaign.
Putting it together in a pressurized setting will be Henderson’s next challenge. But hopes have increased thanks to a sterling effort in camp so far.