The NFL training camp season approaches. Rookies report to Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte on July 19, and veterans follow four days later on July 23. This is how the Panthers start their programme.
These three position battles have the potential to be the most intense.
Reversing course
Starter of choice: Chuba Hubbard
Players to keep an eye on: Miles Sanders, Rashaad Penny, and Jonathan Brooks
In the prior season, Hubbard surpassed Sanders to become the top running back for the team, despite facing more defenders in the box. As they head into camp, Hubbard is likely to retain his starting position, with Brooks and Penny potentially pushing Sanders further down the depth chart. Brooks, who excelled at Texas, could even challenge Hubbard for the lead role, displaying versatility in both running and receiving. Penny, after a disappointing stint with Philadelphia, will look to make a comeback following successful seasons with the Seahawks.
Broad receiver (11 employees)
Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Diontae Johnson are anticipated starters.
Players to keep an eye on: Jonathan Mingo, Terrace Marshall Jr.
In his debut season with the Panthers, Thielen led the team in targets (137), catches (103) and yards (1,014) while serving as rookie quarterback Bryce Young’s safety net. In a recent interview, the former Viking wide receiver acknowledged that he had “the biggest growth I’ve ever had as a player, as a person, ever in my life.”
Everything wasn’t going smoothly, and I had to check myself at the door every single day.”
He ought to be able to take on the same role he did in Minnesota, backing Justin Jefferson initially and Stefon Diggs as a backup. Legette and Johnson are not as good as Thielen’s previous All-Pro teammates, but they should be able to start in three-wide receiver sets right away.
Replicas Marshall, 24, and Mingo, 23, had a difficult season the previous year, but they may be able to turn things around in their early careers with a fresh start under head coach Dave Canales. In 2023, Marshall recorded 19 receptions for 139 yards (7.3 yards per attempt) while Mingo, with 43 receptions for 418 yards (9.7 yards per try), was just slightly better.
Tommy Tremble is the projected starter at tight end, with Ja’Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas as players to watch. Tremble, drafted in 2021, had a breakout season in 2023 with career-high stats. He took over the top tight end position from Hayden Hurst and is expected to maintain that role. Ian Thomas has been a reliable backup for six years, while rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders could challenge Tremble for playing time. Sanders had an impressive college season, ranking high in receiving yards and showing great reliability according to PFF data.
