6 Biggest Winners of Panthers' Training Camp so Far

Everybody knows that Bryce Young is entering a critical season. The quarterback is trying to prove he's the franchise guy and also earn a massive new contract. Plus, Young is being trusted to lead the Panthers back to the playoffs.

Well, so far so good. Last Sunday, during rainy conditions, Young had his best day of the summer. The quarterback looked poised and in control and made several nice throws. It's clear that when Young is comfortable, he's a reliable quarterback.

It also seems like Young has some nice chemistry with his receivers already. Everybody is getting involved, and Young (as you would hope) has looked much better than Kenny Pickett or Haynes King.

RB Jonathon Brooks

It would be an understatement to say that Jonathon Brooks' career hasn't gone according to plan thus far. The running back had back-to-back ACL injuries and has only played in three games over two years.

However, Brooks is looking like he can be a real difference-maker in 2026. The running back has earned first-team reps, and he looks shifty and explosive. On Tuesday, with pads on, Brooks had one of the most electric plays of the day when he juked out Devin Lloyd for a big gain.

Brooks not only looks like a serviceable running back, but he flat-out looks like he can take over the running back room in 2026.

WR Xavier Legette

Perhaps nobody on the roster was in more need of a big camp than Xavier Legette. The former first-round pick failed to live up to expectations during his first two years in the league, but he looks like a new man this summer.

Legette has made several impressive catches, and it's clear that he feels more comfortable in the system. Head coach Dave Canales even shouted Legette out, saying the receiver looks "fast" and "powerful."

It will be interesting to see if Legette can keep the momentum going. He still has to hold off impressive rookie Chris Brazzell II.

WR Ja'seem Reed

Speaking of impressive receivers, we have to mention Ja'seem Reed. An undrafted free agent from 2025, Reed is making the most of his chances this summer. The receiver has made several contested catches and also shown a nice ability to create separation.

Reed's chances to make the final roster are still slim, but he's making his presence known nonetheless. Canales praised Reed's intelligence and consistency, which is definitely a good sign. The receiver is on track to at least make the practice squad at this point.

DL Lee Hunter

The Panthers just used a second-round pick on Lee Hunter, and we can already see why the team thought so highly of him.

First off, he's a massive human being, and he looked dominant in 1-on-1s this summer. Then, he carried that over to training camp and has looked like one of the best defensive linemen on the team. Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton have been nursing injuries, and Hunter has taken full advantage.

DB Zakee Wheatley

Zakee Wheatley is another rookie on defense who could be playing himself into a large role. The fifth-round pick looks fast and moves like a much more experienced player.

Wheatley has had a couple of nice pass breakups this summer, and on Sunday, he had a nice strip of Miles Davis. I know this coaching staff loves Nick Scott, but that free safety spot seems to be wide open, and Wheatley should definitely be in consideration.