Which Carolina Panthers rookies can help themselves most when they take the field at the team's upcoming 2023 minicamp?
After basking in the proverbial glory of getting their NFL opportunities, the latest batch of college recruits starts their journey with the Carolina Panthers at the team's rookie minicamp in the coming days. Some will be tasked with more responsibilities than others, but all will get a fair shake before joining up with established figures for OTAs later this month.
This represents the opening opportunity for first-year hopefuls to stamp their mark and potentially carve out roles in the team's plans. And looking at the current depth chart, there could be some openings provided they impress enough during early transitions.
Obviously, those taken higher up the pecking order stand more of a chance. However, plenty of undrafted prospects or those selected in the later rounds have gone on to attain great success, so it's all about how much they want it when push comes to shove.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers rookies that can help themselves most at Carolina's 2023 minicamp.
Rookie No. 1
Cam Peoples - Carolina Panthers RB
After ignoring the running back position with what little draft capital they had, the Carolina Panthers got themselves a talented individual from close to home by signing Cam Peoples in undrafted free agency.
The Appalachian State product has some likable traits that could be of use. But it's vital he leaves a good first impression given the presence of Miles Sanders, Chuba Hubbard, and Raheem Blackshear on the depth chart.
While Peoples isn't the most elusive, his contact balance is superb and the player is always looking to generate additional yards through physicality. He is also quick enough to break off big gains in space, so it's something to monitor throughout Carolina's rookie minicamp.
Chandler Zavala - Carolina Panthers OL
Chandler Zavala made no secret of his desire to join the Carolina Panthers. He was in constant contact with the war room throughout the draft, even texting general manager Scott Fitterer on Day 3 to see whether the player's dream would become reality.
Zavala's fate was finally confirmed when the Panthers selected him in the fourth round. Something that came with jubliation from offensive line coach James Campen, who was clearly thrilled beyond measure to get the former North Carolina State standout on board.
The hard work starts now for Zavala, who has a monumental opportunity to earn starting reps right out of the gate. Brady Christensen looks set to be healthy for the campaign's start, but the prognosis is less optimistic about Austin Corbett, who'll miss some time in 2023 after tearing his ACL against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
The likes of Justin McCray and Cade Mays will fancy their chances. However, the ferocious mauler stands a good chance of provoking a discussion among the coaching staff if nothing else.
Zavala brought on his pass protection considerably last season and is a dominant figure on running downs. His explosiveness is in keeping with some eye-popping athleticism for a man his size, although staying engaged against bigger defensive linemen can sometimes be an issue.
Rejzohn Wright - Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers needed help at the cornerback position heading into the offseason. Despite this, there's been a relative lack of urgency when it comes to strengthening the group either in free agency or during the 2023 NFL Draft, which was surprising to some considering the implications involved.
Jaycee Horn is set to take the league by storm next season with a healthy campaign, which is a positive. Donte Jackson is currently recovering from a torn Achilles and the less said about C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. from a production standpoint in 2022, the better.
This makes the undrafted free-agent signing of Rejzohn Wright an intriguing one. The former Oregon State star is a fluid mover with exceptional ball skills when breaking routes, which is matched by the sort of frame normally associated with NFL cornerbacks for good measure.
Wright excels in press coverage, which is something the Panthers lack aside from Horn. There is a level of hesitancy when watching film on occasion, with footwork another area of his game that needs refinement before confidence increases about his chances.
That said, Wright stands a chance of earning a roster spot if he puts everything together. His attitude and overall work ethic are also sure to go down well with Carolina's coaches throughout the offseason workout period.
D.J. Johnson - Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
There were more than a few eyebrows raised when the Carolina Panthers traded up in the third round to select D.J. Johnson at No 80 overall. Although their need for an edge rusher to put opposite Brian Buns was evident, many fans felt like this was a major reach for the six-year college player who's still learning the position.
General manager Scott Fitterer recently stated that Johnson was one of the last few remaining edge rushers on their board. One they felt was a chance worth taking and also got the seal of approval from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Johnson needs to make a lasting impression immediately to alleviate concerns from the fanbase if nothing else. There is a lot to like about the athleticism he brings to the table, with six sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 11 games at Oregon last season indicating there could be a productive performer in there if he takes on coaching.
Drafting players with high athletic traits has been the core component of Fitterer's ethos since becoming general manager. Johnson fits this mold perfectly, but there is plenty of hard work ahead in terms of improving gap discipline against the run, hand placement and creating space in tight windows.
Evero clearly feels like he can mold Johnson into a valuable contributor. The jury is out for many, but the player can begin silencing his doubters this weekend at Carolina's rookie minicamp.