Biggest takeaways from the Panthers' final outing of 2025 mandatory minicamp
Biggest takeaways from the Panthers' final outing of 2025 mandatory minicamp
Before heading off for summer vacation, the Carolina Panthers wrapped up their 2025 edition of mandatory minicamp on Thursday.
So, what did they leave behind ahead of the break?
Here are the biggest takeaways from the third and final session of the phase:
Defense wins the day
After a dominant showing from the offense on Wednesday, the defense bit back with quite a performance this afternoon.
The outing was highlighted by a few interceptions, including one from starting cornerback Mike Jackson. Carolina's defense was also led by linebacker Christian Rozeboom, who deflected multiple passes.
Last year, the Panthers set a new NFL single-season record for most points allowed (534). So seeing the defense, which underwent some construction in recent months, turn in a win had to feel good.
Derrick Brown's goal
That lowly 2024 defense was not exactly helped by the absence of defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who missed 16 of 17 games due to a knee injury.
He talked about zeroing in on his return to the practice field.
"Hopefully, very close," he said. "I expect to be out there in training camp. Load management, and hopefully in the next few weeks, I get cleared. So that's the goal and then at that point, it's just getting back in football shape and being able to go out there and play with the team."
Brown was a Pro Bowler the campaign prior, where he amassed 103 tackles—the most ever by a defensive lineman in a single season.
Message received?
This may sound odd, but the Panthers might have themselves a good depth problem at the wideout position.
Head coach Dave Canales admitted that it may be hard to determine which receivers ultimately make the initial 53-man roster.
"I think it's gonna be very difficult," Canales stated. "I think that we're gonna have to take it through the preseason games, and see who can help us. And special teams is gonna be such a huge piece of that puzzle. How can these guys help us in the coverage units? Can they help us as a returner? Those things, that added value—if it's even the special teamer—makes the team.
"So that's the part where we get to challenge our guys. Find a role, take this thing seriously. You're not here just to catch passes. We only get so many helmets on game day, so we need all of you. We need you guys to contribute in different ways.'
Some wide receivers who may be fighting for a spot include former Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow, veteran and Canales favorite David Moore and 2025 sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr.
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