Carolina Panthers' 2024 minicamp begins June 10. Can DJ Wonnum and a new-look D-line replace Jadeveon Clowney's production? Get the first look at the defense.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
After a weekend of record-breaking fun with the Savannah Bananas, the Carolina Panthers are shifting gears from entertainment to execution. Mandatory minicamp kicks off tomorrow, June 10, and with it comes the first serious look at a team in transition. The biggest question mark looms in the trenches, where the Panthers will begin to forge a new identity without last year's top pass rusher.
All eyes are on the defensive line as the team looks to replace the production of last season's leading pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney.
The departure of Jadeveon Clowney created a significant void in the Panthers' pass rush, and the team's strategy to fill it is now taking shape. The burden falls squarely on the shoulders of DJ Wonnum and free-agent acquisition Patrick Jones II to lead the charge off the edge. They won't be alone, as the team is counting on high-energy rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to make an immediate impact. The recent signing of veteran Tershawn Wharton adds another layer of depth and experience to a unit that is younger, but potentially more versatile, than last year's group. This week's minicamp will be the first true test of their cohesion.
Following their final OTA practice last week, the Panthers will be on the field from June 10-12 for their mandatory three-day minicamp. This is a critical period for Head Coach Dave Canales to install his schemes with full attendance. In a positive sign for the offense, sixth-round rookie receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. is expected to participate. After being sidelined with a hamstring injury, his progress in rehab puts him on track to join his teammates for this important session, giving him a chance to build chemistry with the quarterbacks before training camp.
Fans across the country will get an early look at this revamped Panthers roster. The NFL Network announced it will televise two of Carolina's preseason games nationally. The Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns and the Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the primetime spotlight. This provides a major platform for the team to showcase its progress under Canales and for players on the bubble to make their case on a national stage.
Before the grind of minicamp, the Panthers made sure to connect with the community in a big way. Current and former players, including fan favorites Luke Kuechly and Adam Thielen, joined the Savannah Bananas for their unique brand of baseball entertainment in Charlotte. The collaboration was a massive hit, creating a memorable crossover event for a record-breaking crowd and strengthening the bond between the team and its fanbase.
The fun and games are over, and the real work is front and center. This week's mandatory minicamp is the final, crucial checkpoint before the team breaks for the summer. It's the last chance for coaches to install their systems and for players to build chemistry. The answers we get over the next three days, particularly along the defensive front, will set the entire tone for training camp and the 2025 season ahead. Keep Pounding.
