Which Carolina Panthers players have emerged as unsung training camp heroes in pursuit of making the 53-man roster in 2023?
We are heading into the business end of training camp for the Carolina Panthers with a couple of traditional sessions remaining before the eagerly-anticipated joint practices with the New York Jets. This will be the biggest measuring stick yet for Frank Reich's group, who are aiming for immediate progress in 2023 en route to a potential NFC South title.
It's been a fascinating camp as expected considering the changes made from top to bottom. There's been a more relaxed yet professional feel to sessions this summer, which stems from improved coaches knowing exactly how to put their players in the best possible position to hit the ground running.
Position battles are ongoing and some places remain up for grabs, at least from the outside looking in. Much will depend on how certain individuals perform during preseason games, but some who were unheralded coming into camp have started altering perceptions at the best possible time.
With that in mind, here are three unsung heroes from Panthers' training camp in 2023 so far.
Eku Leota - Carolina Panthers OLB
Even though Frank Reich recently highlighted the need to acquire another productive edge rusher before the campaign, there are a couple lower down the pecking order that are getting themselves noticed. Kobe Jones' surge throughout camp has also come with first-team reps, with Eku Leota another that is emerging from obscurity to give himself a fighting chance.
Leota was an undrafted free agent out of Auburn who's dealt with some injury issues in recent years. But his size and athletic profile indicate there could be a role on offer if he continues to impress before final cuts are made.
Getting the rookie experience against Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu wouldn't hurt at this juncture. Leota's fate is also likely to be determined by how impactful he is in the preseason, but his outlook looks more promising than ever after a phenomenal second week of camp.
Nash Jensen - Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers couldn't afford to stand still on their offensive line despite showing remarkable improvements during the previous campaign. Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen were injured in their Week 18 finale against the New Orleans Saints, so it was always worth improving depth and increasing competition for places along the way.
While the starting five looks locked in once Corbett gets back, the battles for positions lower on the depth chart remain a source of great intrigue. Although he's still fighting a losing battle, Nash Jensen is catching the eye and giving the coaching staff plenty to think about after a fantastic camp so far.
An undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State, Jensen is maximizing every rep coming his way and taking on everything being said by offensive line coach James Campen in the hope it can be enough. But the player clearly feels a sense of belonging already based on his comments via the team's website.
"Everybody's trying to win a job, trying to put food on the table for their families. I'm here to take somebody's job. So (I've) just got to come out here and compete every day. I feel like it's been really hard but easy at the same time, just with transitioning into a completely new team, meeting new guys. It's been fun getting to know everybody. And I feel like I've been able to play good enough and gel with the guys. (I) feel like I belong here."Nash Jensen via Panthers.com
It would be a surprise if Jensen forced his way onto the 53-man roster, in all honesty. However, there's nothing to suggest he cannot secure a practice squad place and continue his encouraging development in a relatively short space of time.
Gary Jennings - Carolina Panthers WR
It's been a difficult road for Gary Jennings since entering the league as a fourth-round selection back in 2019. Injuries have been the primary reason behind the wide receiver's downfall, but the Carolina Panthers clearly felt he might have something to offer within a room that looks stacked despite losing D.J. Moore in the trade that landed Bryce Young at No. 1 overall.
Jennings looked set to get an opportunity with the Kansas City Chiefs last season before injury cruelly ended his roster hopes with weeks remaining before final cuts. Things have been smoother this time around, with the former West Virginia standout catching the eye with consistent ball skills and impressive route running.
This has been with the second-string unit more often than not, but good catches are good catches in any context. Carolina also has an embarrassment of riches at the wideout position, with only one or two places remaining as the first five look cemented.
Again, it would be worth the Panthers getting plenty of targets in Jennings during the preseason and seeing how he fares. Others are also fighting tooth and nail to make the team or even stake their claims for the practice squad, so even the slightest error at any stage could be crucial.
Jennings deserves a bit of luck. But there is no room for sentiment where the Panthers are concerned these days - making his situation precarious despite performing far better than many anticipated.