Biggest storylines for the Panthers' 2025 mandatory minicamp
The Carolina Panthers are now set to begin mandatory minicamp, the final stage in Phase Three of the NFL's offseason workout program.
So, what should we expect?
Well, just like the voluntary organized team activities that took place the last few weeks, mandatory minicamp will include relatively light installments of practice. There will be no pads, except for the pedestrian elbow and knee gear, and no live contact.
But that doesn't mean there won't be anything interesting to keep an eye on.
Here are the four biggest storylines for the Panthers' three-day mandatory minicamp:
Cali Connection
Once again, rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan will be a key focus for another string of offseason practices. (Hey, it comes with the territory of being a top-10 pick.)
The eighth overall selection left an impression in both rookie minicamp and in OTAs, impressing coaches with his natural hands and smooth movement. Can McMillan keep that "Cali Connection" with quarterback Bryce Young going and continue to establish himself as a primary target in this growing offense?
The Jimmy
McMillan hasn't been the only Panthers rookie receiver to turn heads thus far. Speedy sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. has already garnered quite the amount of fanfare, perhaps even more than his first-round compadre has.
He did, however, miss the end of OTAs due to a hamstring injury—which head coach Dave Canales didn't seem too worried about. Will Horn be able to return to the practice field and keep his hype train moving?
Next tight end up
Starting tight end Tommy Tremble certainly won't be returning to the field yet, as the fifth-year veteran is still on the mend from back surgery. In fact, we many not even see Tremble until the preseason kicks in.
His absence could open the door for a couple of youngsters at the position—2024 fourth-rounder Ja'Tavion Sanders and 2025 fifth-rounder Mitchell Evans. Can Sanders and/or Evans take advantage of their expanded opportunities in Tremble's absence?
Kickin' it
The kicking competition between veteran journeyman Matthew Wright and undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald isn't too hot yet, at least according to special teams coordinator Tracy Smith. Expect that battle to heat up more towards the summer.
But can Wright or Fitzgerald make a statement in the coming days and give Carolina a favorite ahead of training camp?
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