Panthers cornerback Corn Elder was pulled from practice for what coach Ron RIvera called leg soreness. He joked that these Florida guys weren't used to the bitter cold in Charlotte. A brisk wind did make 59 feel like 49.
The Panthers are so serious about upgrading speed that they brought in sprinter Marvin Bracy, who qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 100 meters, for a tryout. The former Florida State receiver said he not only is the fastest member of the Panthers, but probably would be the fastest player in the NFL if he makes Carolina's roster or that of another team.
Panthers second-round pick Taylor Moton played right tackle all during college but the team is working him some on the left side. He says it's an adjustment but reminds he played left tackle in high school.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera had nothing to add on the situation tackle Michael Oher faces with a charge of misdemeanor assault on a Nashville, Tenn., Uber driver. Team will wait and see what happens in court. Oher scheduled to appear May 8.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed OT Jake Rodgers, who has spent time on practice squads with the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers the last two years. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Rodgers in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. Rodgers will add to the backup tackle competition.
Versatility is a calling card for Christian McCaffrey, but his speed sets him apart on a Carolina team that made upgrading speed a priority.
New quarterback for the Panthers at rookie camp, head coach Ron Rivera taking snap in shotgun during pass rush drills.
Panthers first-round draft pick Christian McCaffrey shows his burst with runs like this. No pads but fast is fast.
Bills issue clarification to yesterday's announcement about Brandon Beane, making it specifically clear he interviewed for general manager vacancy. Team said yesterday Beane, the Panthers' assistant GM, was a "front office candidate."
Unless Carolina changes its philosophy, Panthers fans will be accustomed to seeing a spare-part secondary, Andrew Potter writes.
The Panthers officially have signed all seven draft picks Fifth-round pick Corn Elder and seventh-rounder Harrison Butker signed after Friday morning's rookie camp session.
If Anquan Boldin doesn't want to play too far from his Miami residence, Carolina would be a good spot for the ageless receiver.
Panthers first round draft pick Christian McCaffrey after his first session of rookie camp: "A big learn day. Once you learn it, earn it."
Sometimes speed is deceptive. It's obvious with Panthers first-round pick Christian McCaffrey during the first day of rookie minicamp.
Two new Panthers' playmakers in second-round pick Curtis Samuel and undrafted rookie Fred Ross. They bring quarterback Cam Newton more speed to the receiver position.
Panthers first-round pick Christian McCaffrey makes first of many walks over the bridge to the practice fields as he begins a two-day minicamp.
Fan waiting outside Panthers practice field for rookie camp to begin already has a Christian McCaffrey jersey. Expect it to be a big purchase item this year.
Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel should play important roles on the offensive side for the Panthers; can Daeshon Hall help the defense early?
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey on Thursday became the first first-round pick from the 2017 NFL draft to sign his rookie deal.
The seven Panthers draft picks will show up for today's rookie minicamp in their new NFL number. They are: RB Christian McCaffrey No. 22, WR Curtis Samuel No. 10, OT Taylor Moton No. 72, DE Daeshon Hall No. 74, CB Corn Elder No. 35, FB Alex Armah 40, PK Harrison Butker No. 7.
The Panthers signed second-round draft pick Curtis Samuel and third-round draft choice Daeshon Hall on Friday. That leaves only two of the seven draft picks unsigned prior to the start of today's rookie minicamp. First-rounder Christian McCaffrey and two others signed Thursday night.
Adding Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel to the mix will allow the Panthers to spread the field and finally give Cam Newton more options.
The Panthers begin a two-day rookie camp, including 35 tryout players, seven draft picks and five undrafted players, today. Practice times are 10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. today, 10:50 a.m. on Saturday. Looking forward to first look at first-round draft pick Christian McCaffrey in action.
Panthers first-round pick Christian McCaffrey, who signed on Thursday night, will make a projected $17,224,161 over the next four years with a projected $10,679,908 signing bonus.
The Panthers signed three of their seven draft picks to their rookie deals on Thursday night, including first-rounder Christian McCaffrey. Also signed were as offensive tackle Taylor Moton (second round) and fullback Alex Armah (sixth round). McCaffrey was the No. 8 pick out of Stanford.
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(8) | Christian McCaffrey | RB | Stanford |
| 2(8) | Curtis Samuel | WR | Ohio State |
| 2(32) | Taylor Moton | OT | Western Michigan |
| 3(13) | Daeshon Hall | DE | Texas A&M |
| 5(8) | Corn Elder | CB | Miami (FL) |
| 6(8) | Alexander Armah | DE | West Georgia |
| 7(15) | Harrison Butker | PK | Georgia Tech |
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 540 | 406 |
| Tampa Bay | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 354 | 369 |
| New Orleans | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 469 | 454 |
| Carolina | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 369 | 402 |
| NAME | POS | TYPE | PREV. TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Abdul-Quddus | S | UFA | DET |
| S. Acho | LB | UFA | CHI |
| J. Adams | OT | UFA | HOU |
| J. Addae | S | RFA | SD |
| D. Aiken | LS | UFA | NYG |
