Panthers training camp tracker: Observations and takeaways from Day 4

After some rest on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers were back at it in Spartanburg for their fourth training camp practice of the summer.

Here are the top observations and takeaways from Monday:

Cade Mays has been the 'next man up' for Austin Corbett

Starting right tackle Taylor Moton spoke on the offensive line’s chemistry and continuity, even without an injured Austin Corbett:

“I think, day in and day out, we’re continuing to grow our chemistry together. I love all the guys in the room. And even though Austin’s not with us right now, on the field, he’s doin’ a great job coaching everyone up. He’s still 100 percent dialed in.”

Moton also credited Mays, who looks to be the early favorite to fill in at right guard:

“And I believe Cade’s doin’ a great job of that ‘next man in’ mentality. And we’re continuing to grow and passin’ off twists, dominating on combos in the run block, So, it’s been great playing with ’em so far.”

Frank Reich praises Brian Burns' presence

Head coach Frank Reich praised Burns for his presence at camp, even in the middle of his recovery from ankle surgery and ongoing contract talks:

“I mean, I’m still gettin’ to know Brian, but my sense is he doesn’t have 50 percent in him. He’s a competitor. I think we all know that and feel that. So, respect the way he’s been approachin’ this. I’ll leave the contract stuff to Scott [Fitterer] to handle and I’m just worried about coachin’ the guys out here. But it just seems like he’s taking a very professional approach to it. And it makes a lot of sense, and good for him.”

Marquan McCall may be what the Panthers are looking for at NT

The Panthers, especially after waiving Bravvion Roy this morning, seem to be looking for a particular type at the nose tackle position—and McCall may be that man. Reich said the following about the 6-foot-3, 344-pounder:

“He is that traditional nose tackle that you’re talking about. But the thing about him, Marquan is, he’s got some explosive twitch in his body. So, he’s got some quickness, got some explosiveness and can really cause some disruption inside. So that’s really what we’re lookin’ for. And we’re lookin’ for it on a consistent basis. That’s always a thing you’re really mostly lookin’ for from that guy.”

Kobe Jones continues to stand out

The Panthers defense is also looking for some depth beside that interior role. Reich was asked about Jones, a potential dark horse candidate for the 53-man roster:

“Kobe looked really good in OTAs, and he was one of the guys like, ‘Okay, let’s see.’ He’s flashing in OTAs, doin’ a good job and now today’s the next step of puttin’ pads on. So lookin’ for those guys to flash in that consistency and he did, he made a few plays in the backfield today for sure.

Donte Jackson is gaining his confidence back

Jackson, who missed the final nine games of the 2022 season with a torn Achilles tendon, detailed his mental trek back to the practice field:

“The hardest part is getting your mental back. It’s obviously physical, right? But the hardest part for me was just gettin’ out of that dark hole, just gainin’ my confidence back and just knowin’ I’ll be able to go and follow guys’ No. 1’s again and I’ll be able to go out there and just play meaningful reps again. That probably was the biggest thing for, ’cause I spent a lot of time not believin’ I was gonna be able to do that.”

Notable observations

Story originally appeared on Panthers Wire