Dave Canales continues to put his grand plans into motion throughout organized team activities. The Carolina Panthers have a lot of hard work ahead in pursuit of making improvements in 2024. It won't be easy, but the new head coach's enthusiasm seems to have re-focused a revamped roster who were devoid of any confidence or motivation last time around.
This is the voluntary part of offseason workouts. Things are less intense without the pads on, but it's a good chance for Canales to implement his schematic concepts and work on fine-tuning the fundamentals. This should stand his squad in good stead when the tempo ramps up in the coming weeks.
Despite this being relatively early in the process, there are still some notable developments worth monitoring. While all the focus centers on quarterback Bryce Young's development, this needs to be a collective effort with everyone working in unison to emerge from rock bottom next season.
With this in mind, here are four intriguing developments from the latest media availability at Panthers 2024 OTAs.
Carolina Panthers kicking update
There was still no sign of Eddy Pineiro at voluntary OTAs. The veteran kicker is opting to stay away from the facility before attendance becomes compulsory. This could be a grave error in judgment looking at how things are unfolding.
Undrafted free agent Harrison Mevis once again impressed in front of the media on Wednesday. The former Missouri star was flawless, hitting all his field goal attempts and booming two efforts of 57 and 58 yards through the upright. According to Dave Canales via the team's website, he's only missed two since joining the Carolina Panthers.
"It was like one a day early on and it was like somewhere in the middle of his kicking sessions. He bounced back and then made the next couple and I don't want to discount the fact that his peers matter to him. He's a rookie. He comes out here and everybody's watching, the head coach is sitting there watching and he's done a great job just being able to handle that kind of pressure, and he looks calm, he looks focused, so he's doing a really good job."Dave Canales via Panthers.com
This raises the stakes for Pineiro when he gets back into the building, especially after another inconsistent campaign in 2023. The veteran should be aware he faces a fight to secure his roster spot thanks to the growing momentum around Mevis.
Make no mistake, this is a situation worth monitoring closely as the summer progresses.
Carolina Panthers helping Ikem Ekwonu
Nobody needs to tell Ikem Ekwonu that his performances weren't up to the required standard last season. The left tackle went through significant complications and his technical flaws were exposed. This was the last thing fans expected following an encouraging rookie campaign from the No. 6 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ekwonu seems to be re-focused and willing to put in the hard yards this offseason. The former North Carolina State standout needs to remind the world why he was the first offensive tackle taken from his class. Having a run-first scheme under new head coach Dave Canales should also help enormously.
This was a topic brought up by Canales during his post-practice media availability. He believes the concepts being implemented coupled with Ekwonu's ruthless aggressiveness can be the catalyst behind improved fortunes next season based on comments via Fan Nation.
"It’s a great system for tackles. We run the ball. We play-action which engages as a run first - it gives them a little chance to get their hands on a guy and be physical. We runs boots. Our keeper game where the line is really just selling a run the opposite way. And then in our pass game, the basis of it is to get the ball out quickly. When we do have to hold it, we’ll try to help our tackles as much as possible when we can. It’s a really friendly offense for tackles. I think Ickey has been doing a great job. What does he do best? He is a mauler and we’re going to run the ball and I think when guys are able to just be aggressive and play to their nature, it gives them a lot of confidence in everything else they do. I’m excited where he’s at."Dave Canales via Fan Nation
All signs are pointing up for Ekwonu. There is cautious optimism regarding his prospects in 2024, but starting on the front foot is crucial.
This should provide the confidence needed to put together a much-improved campaign. Something that could assist quarterback Bryce Young tremendously.
Carolina Panthers defense benefitting from familiarity
To compensate for the Carolina Panthers losing several established stars on defense, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was given the luxury of hand-picking players he's worked with previously. The progressive coach opted to stick around under Dave Canales after narrowly missing out on two head coaching jobs. He can ill afford this unit to regress in pursuit of going one better during the 2025 cycle.
Having these familiar faces come into the fold keeps some semblance of continuity. While they might not have the prowess of departures such as Frankie Luvu and Brian Burns, having the pre-acquired knowledge of Evero's schematic concepts and demands should ensure they transition smoothly into a different environment.
This was a sentiment echoed by linebacker Josey Jewell. While the free-agent signing admitted there's been a short period of adjustment centered on getting to know new people, knowing Evero's creative 3-4 base system has made the process smoother based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"Coming back to this type of defense with Coach E and Pete [Hansen] and some other guys, it’s been awesome. These last couple of weeks have been great to get to know the guys, feel each other out a little bit, communicate and really just be able to move and understand where people are gonna be. So it’s been very valuable for us. I mean, I’m already coming to a bunch of new things. New players to play with, new people upstairs. So to have the familiarity with some of the coaching staff is amazing for me. And picking up the old lingo we used to have in Denver is big. Gives me a step up from where I’d be with the coaching staff I haven’t been with."Josey Jewell via USA Today Sports
Jewell is expected to man the defensive second-level interior alongside Shaq Thompson. The Panthers also spent third and seventh-round selections on Trevin Wallace and Michael Barret respectively to solidify depth. Much will depend on health, but there's a good chance this starting duo can provide the production and veteran leadership needed in 2024.
Hopefully, this can provide the spark that keeps Carolina's defense competitive.
Carolina Panthers impressed with Chau Smith-Wade
The Carolina Panthers are light on decent cornerback options heading into the season. Those in power seem confident in their young guys making the step into increased responsibilities. If this is a direction those in power take, it's a tremendous risk.
If Jaycee Horn suffers more complications on the health front, it'll go from risk to catastrophe in the blink of an eye. There's still time for Dan Morgan to acquire another capable coverage presence, but the impression made by an unheralded rookie during early workouts is something that deserves recognition.
Chau Smith-Wade was the No. 157 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many analysts thought he was too undersized to carve out a significant role for himself despite some intriguing athletic traits. However, head coach Dave Canales likes what he sees from the former Washington State star so far based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"He’s a worker. The guys that we drafted, these guys are hard workers and tough football players. And that’s what we tried to do—is profile those type of guys that fit what we’re doing. He fits right in with the group. He’s active, he’s always workin’ on stuff, JUGS after practice and I just love his focus. He’s got a great smile, but then you see, like, he’s just locked in. And he’s really interested in what’s happening everywhere."Dave Canales via USA Today Sports
This is a good start from Wade-Smith. He's displaying the work ethic and desire to be better that is sure to go down well with coaches. It's also worth remembering that it's early days and things are still in their bedding-in period.
Wade-Smith is seen more as a development project rather than someone who can come in and help immediately. At the same time, there is an opportunity to feature heavily if the Panthers don't scour the waiver wire for additional reinforcements.
At the very least, watching his growth as the summer progresses would be wise.