The Carolina Panthers have concluded their OTAs, and while the pads have yet to be donned by the 2018 Carolina Panthers, opinions and evaluations are already beginning to formulate about this year's upcoming team.
From young rookies experiencing their first-ever practices to veterans trying to redeem themselves for the previous year's disappointing play, the Panthers had several players step forward and deliver during the last three weeks of OTAs.
For those unfamiliar, NFL teams are allowed to hold a total of 10 OTA workouts over the course of the three weeks. They are given a maximum of three OTAs per week during the first two weeks, unless they want to hold a fourth workout under the stricter Phase 2 rules (individual drills only, no offense versus defensive activities allowed). Full pads are not allowed during OTAs or minicamp, but playersare allowed to wear helmets, as well as protective knee and elbow pads/braces. They are not allowed to wear shoulder pads. Nor can they wear any of the the lower-body padding worn during a game. Players will be wearing shorts, giving coaches an unencumbered view of their physiques. No live contact is permitted during this portion of the offseason. Mandatory minicamp begins and end next week, and the team will break for around a month before returning in mid-July for their true preseason preparation.
In many ways, Carolina won't know what it truly has until training camp starts. But for now, we have to go off what we know. And here's a look at eight players we know made their impression over the last three weeks of OTAs.
OT TAYLOR MOTON
The second-year pro and 2017 second-round pick spent much of the last three weeks as the team's top left guard, and by all reports, performed rather well. Of course, like most players who excel during OTAs, the real test for Moton won't come until the pads are actually put on for training camp in July. Still, Moton performing well at the position ahead of several other candidates in line to replace the loss of Andrew Norwell can only be good news for the Panthers.
After struggling in his first season back with the Panthers organization and seeing his snaps reduced in the process, Munnerlyn has looked like a man on a mission at the start of this offseason. The former Panthers draft pick had spent the previous three years in Minnesota after a five-year stint to begin his career with Carolina, and he re-upped on a four-year deal last offseason to become the team's No. 1 nickel cornerback. But instead of playing a full-time role, Munnerlyn was reduced to seeing less than 40 percent of the team's defensive snaps and linebacker Shaq Thompson filled in as the big nickel more times than not. That left Munnerlyn frustrated and feeling out of place. But with a new defensive coordinator taking over in Eric Washington, Munnerlyn has expressed optimism with his energy and play on the field, along with his words, going forward.
Olsen has admitted the transition to new offensive coordinator Norv Turner has been a bit of a different challenge, but the veteran Pro Bowl tight end is making Panthers fans everywhere smile just by being on the field again. Olsen, who missed the majority of last season with a broken foot, has looked healthy and invigorated through the early part of OTAs. With Olsen fresh off a contract extension through the 2020 season, the Panthers need their tight end to return to his normal productive self going forward. He's taken a good first step in that regard.
QB TAYLOR HEINICKE
While fellow quarterback Garrett Gilbert has gotten the most buzz among quarterbacks not named Cam Newton on the team's 90-man roster, don't sleep on Heinicke. Having spent time with Norv Turner in Minnesota previously, the former Old Dominion star has the best understanding of the offensive coordinator's style to this point. Head coach Ron Rivera has even stated Heinicke's anticipation when it comes to throwing receivers open has been the most consistent thus far among the team's quarterbacks this offseason.
It was only a series of practices, and they weren't even in pads, but Moore looks like a first-round pick already. Reporters in attendance, Rivera and even cornerback James Bradberry credited Moore for his speed, catch radius and ability to pick the playbook up quickly over the last few weeks. While veterans like Devin Funchess and Torrey Smith also made their fair share of plays, Moore stepping up early in his initial offseason with the team is a tremendous sign for the Panthers.
It still remains to be seen how exactly Haynes will fit into the Panthers' defense once the games begin, but if the words of Rivera and veteran defensive end Mario Addison are any indication, the speedy, undersized edge rusher will make an impact somehow. The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder showed off his speed, handwork and pass-rushing abilities throughout OTAs. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But the raw abilities and signs are there that the fourth-round draft choice will be able to potentially crack the active roster as a first-year player come the fall.
S DA'NORRIS SEARCY
In many ways, the signing of Searcy was overlooked on a national scale. Here's a former multi-year starter who played at a well above average level during his time between the Bills and Titans before losing his job to a young up-and-coming standout in Kevin Byard. That led to Searcy's role being reduced, and eventually being cut, landing the veteran safety in Carolina. All of a sudden, Searcy being paired with Mike Adams in the Panthers' defensive backfield has given them a much more formidable defense. And while Searcy may not be the perfect free safety, his experience, versatility and leadership capabilities give him the chance to be an upgrade there over what Carolina had before.
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