Which Carolina Panthers players are already turning heads during the team's opening organized team activities ahead of the upcoming 2023 campaign?
The Carolina Panthers have wrapped up the first three sessions of OTAs to officially begin preparations for the 2023 campaign. Veterans and rookies have been in the building at different stages, but this was the opening opportunity for Frank Reich and his staff to begin molding everyone as a complete unit.
Given league rules and the need to keep contact down to a minimum, OTAs have lost their mystique to a certain extent in recent years. The relaxed setting does work well for players looking to transition after arriving in free agency or via the 2023 NFL Draft, so it was good to see such a tremendous turnout given these practices are voluntary.
This was a chance for coaches and players alike to set the tone. After all the positive vibes emanating from the franchise throughout a memorable offseason, it's been a refreshing change of pace for all involved.
With that being said, here are four Panthers players who are already turning heads at 2023 OTAs.
Cade Mays - Carolina Panthers OL
With Austin Corbett expected to miss some regular season time as he recovers from a torn ACL, there is an opening for someone at the right guard position until the accomplished veteran is ready to return. It's still early in the preparation period, but Cade Mays looks like he might be the guy to take charge after an impressive opening to OTAs.
Mays is working with the first-team offensive line, which is a massive confidence boost for the former sixth-round pick. He was used sparingly as a rookie - which wasn't surprising given where he was taken in the 2022 draft - but the coaching staff clearly feels like he is ready to assume more responsibilities this time around.
There's a long way to go. But if Mays keeps this up, he could be in line for prominent reps in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons and possibly beyond.
Vonn Bell - Carolina Panthers S
To say the Carolina Panthers spent money wisely throughout free agency would be an understatement. Obviously, this all depends on whether those acquired from the veteran pool meet expectations, but it would be a major disappointment if they fell flat on their faces given how things have unfolded so far.
One signing that went relatively under the radar but could be extremely important is the addition of Vonn Bell. The aggressive safety joins on the back of a stunning spell with the Cincinnati Bengals, which is a winning mentality the Panthers desperately need within a relatively young locker room.
Bell wasted no time in making his presence felt throughout OTAs. He's come up with big plays, is communicating well, and already boasts a firm grasp of what's expected within Ejiro Evero's system according to media in attendance.
This is a solid foundation from which to build where Bell is concerned. His partnership on the backend with Xavier Woods will be relied upon heavily, which should allow the younger, more explosive players an extra level of freedom within a creative scheme that depends on players being instinctive.
Carolina made a relatively big financial commitment to get Bell into the building. Something the veteran is keen to repay by immediately emerging as an integral force on and off the field.
Yetur Gross-Matos - Carolina Panthers OLB
After blowing a significant chance to fill the void left by Haason Reddick last season, many thought that would be the end of Yetur Gross-Matos' prominent involvement with a new coaching staff bringing their own ideas. However, that might not be the case after all.
The Carolina Panthers have not invested heavily in finding another edge rusher to place opposite Brian Burns. They have the necessary funds available, but nothing has been done by those in power other than trading up to land D.J. Johnson at No. 80 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Gross-Matos could get a reprieve of sorts as a result. He is currently transitioning from a 4-3 defensive end to the 3-4 outside linebacker position, with the former second-round pick's commitment at OTAs drawing praise from coach Tem Lukabu during his Wednesday media availability via Sports Illustrated.
"[He's] just a grinder, a worker. He'll do it exactly how you ask. Very pleased with where he is in his transition. There's a process that he's still going through. We talk about going from point A to point Z - he's working along that progress really well."Tem Lubaku via Sports Illustrated
What a turn-up for the books it would be if Gross-Matos was starting in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons. Marquis Haynes Sr., Amare Barno, and Johnson will also fancy their chances, but a once inconceivable notion looks more realistic than ever.
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
There's been an insane amount of hype surrounding Bryce Young. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft is an understated figure - at least in front of the camera - but all the hyperbole and fanfare were necessary before the quarterback gets to focus fully on football matters.
This was the most important thing to Young. He lives and breathes the game and is willing to go above and beyond to prepare himself in a way that ensures maximum production between the lines.
Young knows nothing will be given despite his high standing. He's willing to learn, work, and gradually build himself up to lead the Carolina Panthers from Week 1.
That's why the Panthers risked substantial assets to surge from No. 9 with the intention of taking Young atop the draft. Judging by the noises coming out of OTAs, the former Alabama stud and Heisman Trophy winner is leaving a positive impression.
His command of the huddle and playbook knowledge despite starting behind everyone else were commended by head coach Frank Reich. Young will be the first to admit he's still learning on the job, but getting as many reps into the player as possible should alleviate any doubts about his ability to hit the ground running in 2023.