Panthers 2025 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Fan Fest
Here, with contributor Jared Feinberg on hand for the festivities, are the top takeaways and observations from this year's Fan Fest . . .
The unknowns standout
Coming into Fan Fest, the expectation was that the team's stars would shine in front of the crowd. But it was actually some of the lesser-known bubble players who stood out.
Rookie cornerback Corey Thornton, an undrafted free agent, was locking receivers down—including first-round pick wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Tight end James Mitchell has also made a very intriguing case as a potential fourth option on the initial 53-man roster.
Free safety rotations could signal distrust
Veteran Nick Scott was the starting free safety tonight alongside free-agent signee Tre'von Moehrig. Scott, second-year player Demani Richardson and 2025 fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom continued a rotation with the first-team defense throughout the night. Ransom's range stood out, and he could find himself in a key role sooner rather than later.
But could that heavy rotation signal from distrust from the coaching staff? Could outside help be on the way for the secondary?
Panthers run game shines bright
Head coach Dave Canales will feature a significant dose of the run game, and Saturday night showed why.
Starter Chuba Hubbard, free-agent signee Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne ran the ball well behind the offensive line throughout the evening. This will be the strength of the offense early on, as the passing game continues to work out the kinks.
Revamped defensive line flashes
Carolina made some big moves in the offseason to upgrade their defensive line.
While Pro Bowler Derrick Brown and A'Shawn Robinson did not participate in the team scrimmage, free-agent additions Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III stood out in their place. Wharton was getting consistent pressure on quarterback Bryce Young, forcing him out of the pocket more than a few times.
Scrimmage shows kinks in the armor ahead of first preseason matchup
There were a lot of inconsistencies across the board for the Panthers, on both sides of the ball.
Young was fine in moments, but he and the rest of the passing game looked a little rusty. McMillan flashed the physical attributes, but has room for growth with consistency before the catch.
The defense looked out of sorts at times, too—especially on play fakes.
It's August, and there will certainly be time for improvement. But the team scrimmage showcased that Carolina is still a work in progress ahead of their first preseason matchup with the Cleveland Browns next Friday.
Top observations
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(Photo of Tetairoa McMillan: Jim Dedmon / Imagn Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
