3 Carolina Panthers players on the hot seat at 2024 minicamp

There is no time for the Carolina Panthers to bask in their newfound positivity. They must keep the same mindset throughout the offseason, with the team's upcoming mandatory minicamp representing another important piece of the puzzle.

The Panthers are embarking on a two-day minicamp rather than three. This was a late change to their plans, which left some fans questioning whether a two-win team last season deserved such a luxury.

Dave Canales has a plan and knows what he's doing. The Panthers need to show the NFL that things are going to be different moving forward. It won't be easy - not by any stretch of the imagination - but the early signs are positive nonetheless.

For some, there is more pressure than most to perform. With this in mind, here are three Panthers players on the hot seat at the team's mandatory minicamp in 2024.

D'Shawn Jamison - Carolina Panthers CB

The Carolina Panthers have serious concerns at the cornerback position - from the outside looking in, at least. However, general manager Dan Morgan is confident the options around can perform well under the exceptional guidance of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

D'Shawn Jamison is someone Morgan named specifically earlier this offseason. A big opportunity awaits the unheralded defensive back in 2024. But he needs to prove his worth and raise confidence levels throughout Carolina's mandatory minicamp and throughout the summer.

Jamison has some intriguing athletic attributes, but giving him extended reps on the defensive rotation is risky. The former undrafted free agent out of Texas conceded an almost perfect 156.2 passer rating when targeted during limited involvement last season. Significant improvements are needed to carve out a bigger role for himself.

If Jamison doesn't show enough during Carolina's minicamp, it'll be disastrous for the player's chances of making his presence felt. It could also be the deciding factor in Morgan seeking further assistance before Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints arrives.

Eddy Pineiro - Carolina Panthers K

Attendance was pretty good for voluntary organized team activities. The Carolina Panthers wanted everyone to lock in right away. Almost everyone was around at some stage. Those who weren't are playing catch-up until further notice.

Eddy Pineiro gained more headlines than most. The veteran kicker was absent throughout the workouts. He didn't give head coach Dave Canales an explanation. Many wondered if this was a contract holdout, which seems unlikely considering the player's indifferent production during the 2023 campaign.

Pineiro's decision to stay away paved a path for another kicker to thrive. The Panthers signed Harrison Mevis when undrafted free agency commenced. He became a cult hero at Missouri in college. He's on that same path in Carolina after catching the eye impressively throughout OTAs.

Mevis was accurate and showcased his outstanding leg strength often. The player also adopted a flair for performing well in front of the media. Throughout their three days at OTAs, he was flawless.

This piled additional pressure on Pineiro as he gets set to make his long-awaited return. Once considered a lock to make the 53-man roster, things are much less certain now.

The former Florida standout is embarking on a genuine competition to become the starter in 2024. Pineiro has experience on his side, but Mevis has the momentum. It'll be fascinating to see this duel unfold throughout Carolina's mandatory minicamp and when training camp gets here.

Pineiro's heard all the chatter about his absence. He'll get a chance to prove himself under Canales, but the Miami native didn't leave the best first impression. Time is of the essence to right this wrong.

It's also worth remembering that Dan Morgan and Canales have removed sentiment from their roster construction. If the Panthers feel like Mevis offers more upside in the short and long term, Pineiro will be shown the door.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette - Carolina Panthers WR

Ihmir Smith-Marsette got a deserved extension from the Carolina Panthers this offseason. His special teams prowess coupled with flashing on the offensive rotation when called upon dictated as much. This provided the wide receiver with much-needed stability at an important stage of his career.

Smith-Marsette isn't lacking self-confidence. He genuinely believes the skill set is there to become a focal point if given the opportunity. Impressing Dave Canales and his coaching staff throughout the preparation period is imperative to make his dreams a reality.

There's a lot to like about Smith-Marsette. His attitude is top-notch. He's elusive in tight windows or open spaces. The versatile weapon makes things happen with the football in his hands. Looking at how Canales plans to deploy his offense, he might have a part to play in 2024.

The Panthers have high hopes for Smith-Marsette. That didn't stop them from significantly strengthening their wide receiver room. Diontae Johnson arrived via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carolina also moved up to select Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. This was essential in pursuit of helping quarterback Bryce Young bounce back.

It also pushes Smith-Marsette further down the wide receiver pecking order. His roster spot isn't in question - especially considering the new NFL kickoff rules that will benefit the return team. However, the former fifth-round selection out of Iowa is holding grander ambitions heading into his fourth season in a professional environment.

Smith-Marsette will display his customary effort throughout Carolina's mandatory minicamp and over the summer. Maximizing every target coming his way will be crucial. Forcing his way into the team's backfield plans is another possibility that cannot be overlooked within Canales' run-first schematic philosophy.

There is optimism surrounding Smith-Marsette. At the same time, nothing but outstanding production will do considering the upgrades alongside him on the wideout unit.