Panthers News: Bryce Young, Scott Fitterer, LaBryan Ray and pads popping

Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of the team's first official padded practice on Monday?

Another week of training camp begins for the Carolina Panthers as preparations ramp up for the 2023 season. Expect the tempo to increase significantly after their bedding-in period over the last few days, which also included a wonderful occasion at Back Together Saturday with thousands descending on Gibbs Stadium to watch their heroes in action.

Of course, there is always a lot to unpack where the Panthers are concerned these days. Among the stories generating column inches include a potential signing for the defensive front, pads popping in Spartanburg this week, Bryce Young getting everyone onside, and general manager Scott Fitterer on the changing draft dynamic.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Carolina Panthers set for first padded practice

Although the coaching staff can get a lot from OTAs, mandatory minicamps, and even the opening stages of training camp, there is no substitute for the pads going on and things getting a little more physical. Head coach Frank Reich confirmed that the Carolina Panthers will take part in their first session of this kind on Monday, which adds another layer of spice to the equation.

NFL rules regarding player safety mean padded practices aren't in great supply compared to previous generations. Therefore, it's vital the Panthers make them count, and for the players, having an impact in this sort of environment is the best possible way to surge up the depth chart.

The pads will be popping at Wofford College today. Another sign that football is back.

Carolina Panthers set to sign LaBryan Ray?

There seems to be some confusion about a potential signing for the Carolina Panthers to bolster their defensive line. According to the player's agency, LaBryan Ray was expected to pen a deal with the organization following a successful tryout, but nothing concrete has emerged as yet two days after the tweet was sent out.

This might be due to the fact Carolina had the day off on Sunday before their first padded practice. General manager Scott Fitterer must also make a corresponding move with their roster at the 90-man limit right now.

Ray was a college standout with Alabama and one of the most coveted high school recruits in the country once upon a time. However, the lineman's endured a desperate run of luck with injuries that saw him go undrafted before signing with the New England Patriots.

Another spell on injured/reserve followed, which was a body blow after gaining early momentum. Even though the Patriots re-signed Ray to a reserve/futures contract, they released him in February to focus their attention elsewhere.

The Panthers obviously liked what they saw from Ray during his workout and the player's physical frame suggests he's well-suited to a 3-4 defensive end role. This move - if confirmed - would also reunite the player with his former Crimson Tide teammate Bryce Young.

One would expect to hear official confirmation before the Panthers take the field for Monday's practice. And it'll be interesting to see how Ray fares in pursuit of an unlikely roster spot.

Carolina Panthers changing draft dynamic

Moving with the times is something that's been a core component behind the Carolina Panthers approach this offseason. The professionalism, collaboration, and collective purpose have all increased since the previous regime was mercifully removed, which leaves the franchise in a much stronger position heading into the 2023 campaign and way beyond that.

This has also seen some adaptation in ethos in terms of the draft. COVID-19 and the influence of NIL mean players are coming out of college much later than usual, which is a trend that could continue given how much money prospects can make with their respective programs before landing rookie NFL contracts.

Take D.J. Johnson as a prime example. Carolina's third-round selection in 2023 has the same birth year as Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, yet the edge rusher is embarking on his first NFL campaign while the aforementioned duo are now seasoned veterans on the brink of attaining second contracts.

The topic was recently discussed by general manager Scott Fitterer, who stated via the team's website that even though it seems unique right now, the front office figure expects the situation to correct itself over the next two years.

"There's guys on the board that were older than some of the guys on our team right now. It's unique. And there's two ways to look at it. I mean, their bodies have had a chance to mature. Maybe they had more reps in college because they got that extra year. I think it's just kind of one of those unique years that way. I see it correcting over the next couple of years. But yeah, it was wild. Like, 'This guy's 24? This guy's 25?' We ran into that a few times."

Scott Fitterer via Panthers.com

The only thing stopping Fitterer's notion from coming true is NIL, in all honesty. If prospects can earn more in college than the pros - especially lower down the pecking order - why bother declaring until the last possible moment?

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's expectations

Having such huge expectations isn't a new concept to Bryce Young. The quarterback's had to deal with such things ever since his days as a high school phenom in Southern California before making his way to Alabama, winning a Heisman Trophy, and becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Carolina Panthers invested a significant amount in Young. Therefore, fans and those in power are probably looking for an immediate return on their investment in some capacity.

That might be unfair to someone with everything to prove at the next level. But based on Young's comments via David Newton of ESPN, the mindset remains the same no matter how much is expected right out of the gate.

"Lofty expectations aren't something new. I've always taken the same approach. Whatever people are talking about, it is what it is. It's stuff that I can't control. Making sure that my teammates, my coaches, what we set [as goals] in the building, that’s who I listen to. That's the expectations that we come up with together and build together as a team."

Bryce Young via ESPN

It's been a mixed bag for Young throughout camp so far. The signal-caller is undertaking a crash course in what to expect when he takes the field in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons, but his mentality to be the best and the skills he possesses mean that it would be a major disappointment if the Panthers didn't begin to make strides on offense next season.

And who knows, perhaps one day the Panthers might have another NFL MVP candidate on their hands.