The stakes are high for some within the Carolina Panthers as preparations for the 2024 campaign gather pace. Dave Canales and his staff went through a bedding-in period over organized team activities. Expect the intensity to rise considerably during their two-day mandatory minicamp next week.
This was initially supposed to be a three-day affair before the Panthers trimmed it down. While some fans questioned whether a two-win team last season deserved such a luxury, Canales knows what he's doing. Therefore, there needs to be a level of trust attached.
Having one less day to impress raises the stakes for those looking to carve out roles for themselves. Everyone is getting a fair chance in pursuit of attaining starting reps, depth positions, or even places on the practice squad. It'll be interesting to see how they cope with increased urgency in a more limited timeframe.
With this in mind, here are three Panthers players on the roster bubble who must impress at the team's mandatory minicamp in 2024.
Cade Mays - Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers made big changes to their offensive line this offseason. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis were acquired at great expense in free agency to become their team's starting offensive guard. Austin Corbett is transitioning to the center spot. Unless undrafted free agent Andrew Raym impresses enough, Brady Christensen will back him up.
What this means for Cade Mays' future remains to be seen. The former sixth-round selection struggled when given starting reps once again last season. Things don't look especially promising for the versatile interior presence, so it's vital he displays the right work ethic and takes on the coaching of Joe Gilbert in pursuit of involvement.
There could be a spot on the depth chart for Mays. At the same time, nothing is guaranteed. Beating out the likes of second-year-pro Chandler Zavalla will go a long way to enhancing his chances of making the 53-man roster.
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers had to make improvements around Bryce Young this offseason. Everything around the quarterback crumbled in 2023 and he suffered accordingly during a rookie campaign to forget. Considering the significant investment made in the promising signal-caller, the same couldn't happen again next time around.
As previously stated, the offensive line should improve. Carolina also invested in the pass-catchers by trading for Diontae Johnson and moved up for Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Hopes are high that Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo can also cement their respective statuses under Dave Canales, so there's a lot to like about Young's potential for a bounce-back campaign.
Nothing is guaranteed. There's also an opportunity for an unheralded player to rise from obscurity into a decent role over the summer. It's early days, but Jalen Coker could be that guy when it's all said and done.
The Panthers made bringing Coker into the fold one of their top priorities when undrafted free agency commences. He got more guaranteed money than most who failed to hear their names called. That's a clear sign Carolina sees something in the wideout to potentially mold into something more over time.
Coker's lack of game-changing speed and playing at Holy Cross went against the pass-catcher when push came to shove. That said, he's a slick route runner with assured hands. He knows how to manipulate opposing cornerbacks and create separation. This is matched by outstanding body control in tight windows to further raise expectations.
This is something the Panthers can put to good use. However, Coker must do enough throughout the offseason to give the coaching staff extra confidence that he's worthy of a spot over someone like Terrace Marshalll Jr. or David Moore.
It's a big challenge for Coker, but he's sure to relish the challenge. He's also highly motivated to silence his doubters after being overlooked during the college selection process.
Eku Leota - Carolina Panthers OLB
Much has been made about the Carolina Panthers' lack of legitimate pass-rushing options heading into the season. Those in power couldn't repair the relationship with two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns and he was traded to the New York Giants. Frankie Luvu and Yetur Gross-Matos left for pastures new in free agency. Marquis Haynes Sr. wasn't brought back after suffering some injury complications in 2023.
Not having D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney, or K'Lavon Chaisson over Carolina's voluntary organized team activities exposed this further. Dave Canales used their respective absences as a positive, getting reps into young players to see what they can bring to the table in a competitive environment.
One player who got an extended look also starred last summer. Eku Leota flashed significant promise during his first offseason with the franchise. Although he didn't do enough to make the 53-man roster initially, the Panthers stashed him on the practice squad and eventually gave him a chance over the second half of 2023.
Leota suited up eight times, turning out in 15 percent of Carolina's defensive snaps. He featured more prominently on special teams with a 44% snap rate. His development in this area will be another integral part of his pursuit to get similar or perhaps even enhanced involvement next time around.
Considering the questions surrounding Chaisson, D.J. Johnson, and Luiji Vilain, Leota should fancy his chances. However, there's also a chance Carolina bolsters its options in this critical area of the field before Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints gets here.
The former undrafted free agent out of Auburn will be someone to watch closely in the days and weeks ahead. Leota should benefit greatly from the experience of NFL action last season. How the edge presence builds on this newly acquired momentum will likely determine whether he can become a factor under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in 2024.
