The first five days of Training Camp are complete with the team now getting a rest day before picking things back up on Wednesday in Spartanburg.
Thankfully, compared to last year, there have been no major injuries and a lot more positives than negatives for the Carolina Panthers.
While plenty of players are fighting for a roster spot, here are five players that stood out over the last week.
Samuel has been expected to have a breakout year coming up after getting progressively better towards the end of last season but through five practices, his connection with Newton has been something fun to observe.
During the team's first practice, Samuel hauled in Newton's first 40-yard long ball.
✅ Clean pocket✅ Cam's healthy shoulder delivering an accurate deep ball✅ Curtis Samuel getting wide open down the fieldI'M SATISFIEDpic.twitter.com/ESh6enG4AL
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌️ (@PanthersAnalyst) July 26, 2019 Samuel missed most of camp last season due to an ankle injury and then missed the first three games for a heart procedure."He's in great condition. He goes through an entire practice and he's becoming an outstanding route runner," offensive coordinator Norv Turner said.
© Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Receiver DJ Moore is expected to be the team' No. 1 wideout but don't be surprised if Samuel ends being the guy that is getting the first look once the season comes around.
"Being able to finally be healthy and showcase what I can do coming in and out of routes has helped me," Samuel said. "I feel more comfortable with what I am doing."
“You see the great first-step quickness, you see the length and you see him going out and making plays and doing the things that we expect him to do,” head coach Ron Rivera said.
Burns has taken advantage of a lot of 1-on-1 opportunities and still will have a lot to learn like dropping back in coverage but not needing to be thrown into the fire every snap should help his progress.
Grier has looked like he can earn the backup quarterback as a rookie, though.
The biggest thing is adjusting to the professional game.
"At the end of the day it's supposed to be hard, it's supposed to be a grind and be hot," Grier said. "There are certain things that come along with Training Camp that you have to do but it's been a great experience."
Haynes didn't play much as a rookie last season but he's been a solid surprise through the first week of camp.
Haynes has seen some first-team reps at defensive end and impressed in 1-on-1 drills.
© Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports The biggest thing for Haynes is playing in a 3-4 base where he can use his speed more.
"We kind of felt making the move to a little bit of a 3-4 base was gonna benefit him. And we've seen it," Rivera said during minicamp. "He's very explosive off the ball. I think this suits him a lot better than having to put his hand in the ground all the time. For guys like that, I think it's a huge plus."
Haynes still has a lot of work to be done but he has a veteran group of players ahead of him to learn from.
A year ago, Cockrell's first camp with the Panthers was cut short due to breaking his leg.
This year he has proven through the first week that he can still be a contributor on the team.
Cockrell has received reps at free safety with the first team and so far it looks like he is adjusting well learning from Eric Reid.
"I think we can utilize his ability to track the ball," Rivera said. "If the pass rush is what it can be, we're looking for a guy that can make plays on the ball."
The new responsibilities could continue to benefit for Cockrell if he adjusts.
“At safety, you’re involved in the run, a lot more than when you’re at corner,” Cockrell said. “You actually have gap responsibilities. Fill pulling guards. Fill on fullbacks and stuff like that. That’s a different physical aspect of the game that you have to get in touch with.”