Things are heating up at training camp. The bedding-in period is over as the Carolina Panthers gear up for two padded practices this week. This will provide Dave Canales and Dan Morgan with a good indication of where this roster is and whether drastic action is needed to improve their fortunes in 2024.
It's been captivating to witness the early dynamic over camp. There are a lot of new faces to mesh together. Everyone has a big point to prove in pursuit of getting this struggling franchise back to respectability.
Those who were around last season are looking to rid themselves of the haunting two-win campaign quickly. Draft picks and undrafted free agents are aiming to firmly establish themselves. New veteran arrivals have one goal in mind - to help the Panthers thrive in whatever way possible.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who are already silencing their doubters at the team's 2024 training camp.
Carolina Panthers players silencing doubters at 2024 training camp
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers are giving wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. one last chance to prove his worth throughout their first offseason with head coach Dave Canales leading the charge. Frustrations boiled over with a trade request last time around after another campaign of no legitimate involvement whatsoever. Given the added competition in the wideout room, not many held out hope heading into the summer.
Marshall used this as extra motivation. The former second-round pick has been a revelation over the early stages of camp, coming up with one highlight-reel grab after another to make Carolina's coaching staff sit up and take notice.
Fans have seen this almost every year that Marshall's been in the league. The LSU product stars over camp and the preseason. When things get tenser and results matter more, that's when the physically gifted pass-catcher wilts under pressure.
Whether Canales has the key to unlocking Marshall's true potential is the big question. Until he proves capable of producing the goods in a competitive environment in the regular season, fans will remain cautious about his aspirations.
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
Ian Thomas entered the last chance saloon long ago. He somehow finds himself still in contention despite failing to meet expectations on countless occasions since the Carolina Panthers let Greg Olsen leave in 2020. However, the stars have aligned this offseason and the veteran tight end is responding well.
Thomas is getting a ton of looks in the passing game with Tommy Tremble sitting out with hamstring tightness. The former Indiana star is making plays downfield and developing an encouraging rapport with second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Being deployed in a tight-end friendly scheme is something else working in the player's favor.
This renaissance is being met with skepticism among the fanbase. Much like the situation with Terrace Marshall Jr., they've seen this before with Thomas. Until they see something of substance in a competitive setting, their opinion is unlikely to change.
The 2018 fourth-round pick knows this is his last opportunity with the Panthers. It's hard to deny Thomas' prospects don't look much greater now than before the preparation period commenced. Whether this amounts to a surge in numbers when the regular season begins is another matter.
K'Lavon Chaisson - Carolina Panthers OLB
Not much was expected from K'Lavon Chaisson when the Panthers signed him to a one-year deal in free agency. Opting to work out away from the team over voluntary workouts didn't leave the best first impression, especially considering the edge rusher was coming off a four-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars that brought just five sacks.
Chaisson was confident this change of scenery in a scheme more suited to his strengths would help. Looking at the way the former first-round pick has applied himself over the opening exchanges of training camp, the Panthers might be onto something.
The LSU product's getting plenty of starting reps with D.J. Wonnum still recovering from a torn quad. Chaisson looks explosive and is generating pressure according to those in attendance. This is a huge confidence boost after how things petered out quickly in Jacksonville.
Much will depend on how long it takes Wonnum to reach optimum fitness levels once medically cleared to participate. But Chaisson looks well on course to become a key depth piece at worst based on his improved performance levels to date.
Jonathan Mingo - Carolina Panthers WR
Jonathan Mingo endured some hardship during his rookie campaign. The wide receiver looked lost and incapable of overcoming the mitigating circumstances attached to his failure. Although disappointing, the Carolina Panthers weren't ready to give up on the former Ole Miss star after just one campaign in a professional environment.
The Panthers brought in extra competition to the wide receiver room, which was essential to avoid similar complications this time around. This also brought some extra juice from Mingo, who's worked tirelessly on his game throughout the offseason and it shows.
Mingo's been one of the standout performers at camp so far. His route-running looks much improved and the ball skills are assured. He's developing some encouraging chemistry with Bryce Young and looks capable of playing a big part in 2024.
Much will depend on how Mingo fares when the pads go on and when targets come his way during the preseason. However, those who wrote him off entirely after one season might be eating some humble pie if the same trend continues in the weeks leading into Carolina's season opener at thew New Orleans Saints.
Dane Jackson - Carolina Panthers CB
Dane Jackson came into the Panthers after receiving a glowing reference from general manager Dan Morgan. The new front-office leader has been a huge advocate for the cornerback from the moment he began assessing his credentials before the 2020 NFL Draft. He was a big reason why the Buffalo Bills took him in the seventh round and the major factor behind his arrival in Carolina.
This is a huge opportunity awaiting Jackson. He occupied a rotational cornerback role more often than not in Buffalo. The Panthers want him to evolve into a potential starter opposite undisputed No. 1 option Jaycee Horn. Morgan's unwavering confidence wasn't enough to alleviate concerns from the fanbase regarding his chances of firmly establishing himself.
Jackson's made an impressive start over the first few days of camp. He's been relatively assured in coverage and is making plays when needed. We're still early in the process, but it's been encouraging to see his consistency shine through.
Building on this positive momentum will go a long way to improving his outlook. That said, Jackson has already begun silencing his doubters thanks to some sterling efforts over camp so far.