Panthers rookie minicamp kicks off with energy, heat, and opportunity

As Panthers head coach Dave Canales stood on the corner of the practice field Friday afternoon, wrapping up his thoughts on Day 1 of rookie minicamp, the scene behind him told its own story. Over 40 young players were still scattered across the field—some working on extra reps, others soaking in feedback from coaches, and many just trying to make the most of their moment.

Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and running back Trevor Etienne were catching punts, while sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. grabbed a few fellow receivers to work on the jugs machine. Meanwhile, the linemen took a quick break in the cooling trailer, and others stayed behind with position coaches to absorb every last piece of instruction they could.

“This weekend is about introducing them to the workflow, the field expectation—we're on the grass—the tempo that we use, the energy that we go about our work,” said Canales. “And

then, you know, certainly in the classroom, just getting used to the learning style of the player, but also the coaches and the format of the meetings and how they're laid out.”

Though the practice only lasted a little over an hour, it was enough to set the tone for what’s to come. The heat, combined with the high stakes, left an early impression. Here are three key

takeaways from Day 1 of rookie minicamp:

1. A High-Energy Start for Canales and Carolina

Even with a brief practice window, Dave Canales emphasized tempo and energy. From warmups to special teams drills, players were encouraged to move with urgency, setting the tone for what this coaching staff expects. For a roster full of draft picks, UDFAs, and tryout players, every rep matters.

2. Rookies Are Putting in Extra Work

Jimmy Horn Jr. didn’t waste any time after practice. Instead of heading off the field, he grabbed fellow receivers to work on the jugs machine for more reps. This commitment to extra work could prove crucial in a tight battle for roster spots.

3. Welcome to Carolina—And Its Humidity

Adjusting to the Carolina humidity was one of the first challenges rookies faced. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, accustomed to Arizona’s dry heat, commented, “It’s humid out here, so it’s not like Arizona is—dry heat. It’s humid, so I’ve got to get used to that for sure.”

Though it’s early in the offseason, Day 1 of rookie minicamp gave coaches and players a preview of what’s to come. For these young prospects, it’s their first chance to prove they belong—and the hard work has only just begun