What are some emerging surprises from what's been a truly fascinating training camp for the Carolina Panthers so far in 2023?
There is a lot of room for improvement and plenty to clean up for the Carolina Panthers, but things are going well for Frank Reich's men after an offseason littered with changes from top to bottom. This brought added positivity and expectations along the way, but this shift was much needed after a miserable three years.
The tempo has been high and the physicality was turned up a notch this week with the introduction of pads. Players are coming to the fore and wilting in the Spartanburg humidity, which will be more evident when the New York Jets come to town for joint practices next week.
With this in mind, here are four emerging surprises that could shift the coaching staff's thought process from Carolina's training camp in 2023.
Kobe Jones making Carolina Panthers roster push
Much has been made about the Carolina Panthers' lack of urgency when it came to strengthening their pass-rushing options opposite Brian Burns this offseason. The coaching staff is giving those around every chance to prove themselves, which is something Kobe Jones is seizing with both hands after an outstanding start to training camp.
Jones was around the practice squad last season and signed a reserve/futures deal once the 2022 campaign concluded. However, he's constantly coming up with eye-catching plays during drills according to those in attendance, and is even getting work with Carolina's first-team unit under Ejiro Evero in recognition of his outstanding efforts.
Whether this is enough for Jones to force his way onto the 53-man roster remains to be seen. Much will depend on how the Mississippi State product gets on during preseason games, but he's given himself a fighting chance.
Raheem Blackshear pushing for Carolina Panthers RB2?
After trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers and letting D'Onta Foreman walk in free agency, the onus is now on free-agent signing Miles Sanders to pick up the slack. The veteran is expected to occupy a three-down role as the Carolina Panthers look to better utilize his ability in the passing attack, which means opportunities for the likes of Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear could be limited.
This goes away from the trend around the league and how Carolina went about its business at the running back position over the second half of 2022. Hubbard proved capable with increased responsibilities as an NFL sophomore and looks in supreme physical condition this summer, but Blackshear has been arguably more impressive over the first few camp practices to potentially spark a competition for No. 2 on the depth chart.
Blackshear was an undrafted free-agent scooped up by Carolina from the Buffalo Bills practice squad, He performed well when called upon last season and also made his presence felt as a kick returner to further heighten his influence.
There is some work to do from a blocking standpoint. But the possibilities are endless as to how Blackshear can be deployed within an offense that should have more creativity attached in 2023.
If he keeps up this high-performance level throughout camp and when touches come his way during the preseason, the second-year pro could surge above Hubbard on the running back depth chart.
Carolina Panthers CB resurgence
Much like the situation at edge rusher opposite Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers almost completely ignored bolstering their cornerback options throughout the offseason. This could be the biggest gamble of all considering how everyone aside from Jaycee Horn performed during the previous campaign.
Horn himself has concerns about his ability to stay healthy. But the Panthers' coaching staff clearly thought they had enough in their locker to get something extra out of an athletically gifted group.
Although there needs to be a level of trust attached to the new regime, a clear sense of trepidation from this particular decision was evident across the fanbase. However, based on what we've witnessed throughout camp so far, they might be onto something.
The Panthers have erred on the side of caution with the likes of Donte Jackson and Horn as they recover from complications. That said, C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. have both taken a notable surge forward under coaches that are actually coaching.
Henderson's momentum was halted by injury but left reasons for encouragement without question. Taylor drew the praise of head coach Frank Reich after a fantastic interception on Tuesday, which will boost the former fifth-round selection's confidence enormously.
Considering the worries surrounding Carolina's cornerback group, this is much better than many - including yours truly - anticipated. Whether they can keep it up when competitive reps that matter arrive remains to be seen.
Vonn Bell's immediate Carolina Panthers impact
Nobody is doubting Vonn Bell's credentials as a potential difference-maker for the Carolina Panthers. The reason he sits on this list of emerging surprises is the quickness with which he's assumed almost complete command of Ejiro Evero's defensive unit.
Bell wasted no time in establishing himself as a supreme communicator on the back end and a leader within the locker room. He's stood out like a sore thumb over the early stages of camp, developing a solid partnership with fellow safety Xavier Woods and ensuring everyone on defense is in the right positions pre-snap more often than not.
Aside from perhaps Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, the Panthers' standout performer on defense has been Bell. And one could make a strong case that the veteran arrival from the Cincinnati Bengals is outperforming everyone currently.
Looking at the numerous key pieces brought in by Carolina over a frantic free-agency period earlier this year, Bell could be the most important. The Panthers are making an important transition into a 3-4 base scheme under Evero, so having a savvy presence at the safety position that knows exactly what's expected is going to be a significant asset to call upon.
Bell also comes from an organization that's been to two-straight AFC Championship games, winning one. Experience that will serve the Panthers well when it's time to begin their own quiet for postseason football.