After the pre-draft process, the draft excitement, and the uncertainty that came with undrafted free agency for some, the Carolina Panthers' latest crop of college hopefuls will be on the field for the first time in an NFL setting at rookie minicamp in the coming days.
And there is a lot at stake.
This is their opening chance to make a statement. Whether they're first-round picks or coming in for tryouts, rookies only get one chance to make a positive first impression. And Carolina's upcoming rookie minicamp is the chance to set a firm marker for what's to come, catching the eye of Dave Canales and his staff along the way.
With this in mind, here are four first-year Panthers players facing pressure to stand out at Carolina's rookie minicamp.
First-year Carolina Panthers players facing pressure to stand out at rookie minicamp
Sam Hecht - C
Considering that Sam Hecht was a fifth-round pick, there is an enormous amount of early expectations on his shoulders. Fans and analysts are expecting the center to compete with free-agent signing Luke Fortner for the starting job immediately. That might be asking too much, but it's a sign of the esteem in which the Kansas State product is held.
This possibility won't be lost on Hecht, either. He'll see this situation for what it is, and he'll want to build on the ever-growing hype with a strong showing at Carolina's rookie minicamp.
Haynes King - QB
The Panthers saw something in quarterback Haynes King that others didn't. They were quick to strike in undrafted free agency, giving him a lofty guarantee to secure his services. But with Will Grier also back in Carolina, there is no free run to the QB3 spot behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett.
King is mobile, which could be an asset in short-yardage and wildcat formations. However, his accuracy is not NFL-caliber, so a big challenge lies ahead despite getting such a big vote of confidence from the Panthers.
Chris Brazzell II - WR
There is a significant opportunity awaiting Chris Brazzell II in Carolina. The Panthers spent a third-round pick on the wideout, which they thought was a steal at the time. If he makes a smooth transition, the Tennessee product will be pushing hard for the WR3 spot ahead of Xavier Legette from Week 1 of his rookie campaign.
Brazzell has the size, speed, and wingspan to be a matchup nightmare. Refining his technical deficiencies will help, but the rookie minicamp is a good place to stake an early claim before things get tougher.
Jackson Kuwatch - LB
Nobody really knows what to expect from Jackson Kuwatch. The Panthers were expected to take a linebacker much higher than the seventh round, but Morgan thought the Miami Ohio standout represented real value after his breakout 2025 campaign.
Kuwatch is a work in progress. He needs to anticipate better, and much more than his impressive athleticism will be needed to make a success of things in the pros. Impressing at Carolina's rookie minicamp will set the table for what will hopefully be a profitable summer.
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