Who were the winners and losers from a dramatic opening week of training camp practices for the Carolina Panthers in 2023?
It's been fantastic to see such a high tempo and vibrancy during the first week of training camp. The Carolina Panthers rebuilt the foundations this offseason and completely change the franchise's course, which is reflected in keener interest among the fans and loftier expectations around the media for good measure.
Frank Reich knows nothing is won at this time of year. This is all about installing schemes, fine-tuning specific areas, and cementing the ethos that's restored pride to the Panthers throughout a highly eventful spring.
There's been a lot to pick apart at Wofford College in Spartanburg. With that in mind, here are five winners and losers from the first week of Carolina's camp in 2023.
Winner No. 1
C.J. Henderson - Carolina Panthers CB
After the Carolina Panthers didn't address their cornerback options with any real urgency this offseason, it represented a strong vote of confidence in C.J. Hendersoon's ability to finally make strides. A big gamble considering how his career has unfolded so far, but one those in power felt was worth taking with improved coaches steering him in the right direction.
Henderson's looked like a player with renewed purpose over the first week of training camp. He's been assured in coverage and come up with a couple of nice interceptions according to those in attendance, which is a solid platform to build upon ahead of the new campaign.
Not getting his fifth-year option picked up was expected. But it's increased the urgency within Henderson en route to potentially proving his doubters wrong in a contract year.
What comes next is more important with preseason games and padded practices on the horizon. However, it's so far, so good where Henderson is concerned.
Loser No. 1
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
The Carolina Panthers are expecting much better production from the tight-end unit in 2023. There is now a scheme in place that plays to their strengths, with the addition of veteran free-agent Hayden Hurst something else that should help rookie quarterback Bryce Young enormously.
It's been a modest opening to training camp from the group according to those in attendance. Hurst's flashed on occasion, Tommy Tremble had a much better practice at Back Together Saturday, and Stephen Sullivan's physical attributes have also caught the eye once or twice.
As for Ian Thomas, not so much.
The former fourth-round selection has been anonymous in comparison, which is in keeping with his subpar efforts in the passing game since Greg Olsen was allowed to leave for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 free agency. While his blocking exploits mean a roster spot is almost assured, that might be all he can hope for unless dramatic improvements arrive beforehand.
Thomas is such a curious case. He has every athletic intangible needed to become a complete tight end, yet it's just not come together entering Year 6 of his professional career despite countless opportunities.
It does seem for all the smart money as if Thomas is going to be an afterthought in the passing game, especially if Tremble makes strides. So the blocking part of playing the position might be the saving grace that keeps him around.
Winner No. 2
Adam Thielen - Carolina Panthers WR
Much of the talk has been centered on D.J. Chark and Terrace Marshall Jr. throughout camp, which is fine. But the contribution made by fellow wide receiver Adam Thielen so far has been arguably more impressive.
While the free-agent signing doesn't have the splash plays that make the highlight reel, there's more to his game than that. Thielen is getting open quickly, showing an impressive first step and a complete understanding of the Carolina Panthers route concepts for good measure.
It's evident that Thielen is going to become rookie quarterback Bryce Young's best friend on Sundays. His experience and reliability will be major assets for an offense that looks set to spread the football around in the immediate aftermath of D.J. Moore's departure, so expect the former undrafted free agent to feature heavily.
Thielen's also been praised for his leadership abilities since spurning other offers to join Frank Reich's ambitious project. Considering how many youngsters are situated across the offensive depth charts, this is another valuable element that cannot be overlooked.
Some have questioned whether Thielen has lost a step or if he can produce the same numbers without an All-Pro running mate such as Justin Jefferson or Stefon Diggs. Based on how the veteran has applied himself so far, there is still life in the old dog yet.
Loser No. 2
Bravvion Roy - Carolina Panthers DL
The Carolina Panthers have undergone some changes across the defensive line throughout the spring as Ejiro Evero gets set to unleash his 3-4 base scheme on the team's opponents in 2023. Whether it'll have the desired effect considering two glaring needs at cornerback and edge rusher remains to be seen.
It's seemingly an open competition to see who gets starting positions and depth chart roles next season. While the likes of Derrick Brown and Shy Tuttle will be important players, nothing has been cemented elsewhere despite DeShawn WIlliams boasting previous experience within Evero's complex system during their time together on the Denver Broncos.
Marquan McCall and Henry Anderson have reportedly been impressive throughout the opening week of camp. The gauntlet was laid down to Bravvion Roy, who could meet the challenge and was waived on Monday shortly before practice began.
Roy was one of the last former Matt Rhule college players still around. He has the build to potentially fill a backup role, but McCall's imposing size and eye-catching opening to camp meant he was surplus to requirements.
Momentum is everything at this time of year. Once it started going against Roy, there was only going to be one outcome.
Winner No. 3
Ikem Ekwonu - Carolina Panthers OT
When one examines the franchise cornerstones integral to the Carolina Panthers under Frank Reich's new regime, Ikem Ekwonu is among the most important. The left tackle is looking to build on a promising first campaign in the pros this time around, which is reflected in a dominant start to training camp so far.
Ekwonu has an added level of assurance this summer. The former first-round pick knows that he belongs at the top tier and going up against Brian Burns - one of the league's most explosive pass-rushers - on almost every down is doing wonders for his overall development.
The Panthers have a superstar on their hands where Ekwonu is concerned. He is a complete mauler in the run game and came on from a pass-protection standpoint significantly under the expert tutelage of James Campen - showing all the traits morally associated with the complete package at offensive tackle.
This cannot mean anything but positive news for Ekwonu and the Panthers moving forward. The North Carolina State product has the added task of protecting the new face of the franchise's blindside, which should bring additional focus with such a huge responsibility on his shoulders.
Carolina struck gold when Ekwonu fell out of the top five and in their laps during the 2022 NFL Draft. If he keeps up his high level of performance throughout camp, the sky's the limit next season.