SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The Carolina Panthers open 2023 NFL training camp on Tuesday at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Is Bryce Young ready to lead the offense?
Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and showed command of the offense during offseason workouts, but he'll have to prove he can continue to do so in pads. How he handles a real pass rush and defense that plans for him will be the last real test. He has passed all the others.
Another question is whether cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson can avoid injuries. Both have missed double-digit games the past two seasons, and Horn suffered a left ankle/foot injury during OTAs that sidelined him. With that pair, this defense has a chance to be elite. Without them, this unit is vulnerable.
Most compelling position battle: Outside linebacker
It would have been Young versus Andy Dalton a few months ago, but Young already has been elevated to QB1 and that isn’t going to change. So let’s go with the battle between Marquis Haynes Sr. and Yetur Gross-Matos (or a player to be named later) for the outside linebacker spot opposite Brian Burns. Haynes had the edge after offseason workouts, but that was without pads.
If neither he nor Gross-Matos takes command of that spot, the Panthers probably will add a veteran here. They might do so regardless. The success of their new 3-4 system depends on edge rushers pressuring and sacking the quarterback. There are a few out there who could help. Among them are Justin Houston (34), Yannick Ngakoue (28), Jadeveon Clowney (30) and Kyle Van Noy (32).
Player with the most to prove: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR
The 2021 second-round pick out of LSU has only 45 catches for 628 yards and one touchdown the past two seasons combined. His lack of production led Carolina to use a second-round pick in April on Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo. The foundation of Carolina’s offense under coach Frank Reich is to spread the ball around. Marshall needs to be a big part of that behind top receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark for that to happen.
Reich noted during OTAs that Marshall showed the potential last season to be a “big play" receiver. He did that by averaging 17.5 yards per reception. But the key is consistency, and until Marshall shows that, there will be questions.
Most impactful offseason addition: Young
No question. The pieces are in place for this team to be a factor in the NFC South, but it all hinges on how well the rookie out of Alabama plays. If Young can avoid the typical rookie mistakes and become a playmaker instead of a playkiller, the Panthers have a chance to end a string of five straight seasons without a winning record or a trip to the playoffs.
Early signs are positive. Young has earned the respect of the locker room and quickly showed the traits -- quick processing, sound decision-making, accuracy -- that made him the top pick can translate to the NFL despite his size (5-foot-10, 204 pounds). As veteran wide receiver Chark said during offseason workouts, “Everybody is here for him. And we believe he can take us to some really high places."