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Sights, Sounds: Carolina Panthers Cap 2-Day NFL Rookie Minicamp

Originally posted on Sportscasting | By Jeff Hawkins | Last updated May 11, 2025 9:56 AM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Getting a final look at potential NFL prospects Saturday, Dave Canales patrolled the two practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers coach mined the fields for diamonds, no matter how rough.

At one corner during Saturday’s rookie camp finale, defensive backs ran through drills. Of particular interest to Canales, eight safety prospects participated. In back, defensive linemen executed drill-work, highlighted by fifth-round nose tackle Cam Jackson’s “fun” personality. Guided by undrafted free agent quarterback Ethan Garbers, the offense ran through plays. First-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan displayed a wide catching radius and sixth-rounder Jimmy Horn Jr. flashed speed and athleticism.

Veterans return to work Monday, opening offseason training activities (OTAs). The reported 19 UDFAs and 14 tryout players had one final opportunity Saturday catch Canales’ eye.

Here are X (Twitter) posts capturing the sights and sounds Saturday, like father and son playing a quick game of catch …

In the background, check out the future #NFL hands of ⁦@Panthers⁩ coach Dave Canales’ son. Benjamin caught both long pre-practice passes from his father, a former high school quarterback … pic.twitter.com/uRqEGZUSY6

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

To get to the practice fields from the locker room, the players have two modes of transportation, walking, like Jaheim Thomas (49) and AJ Moore (3) or catching a ride, like Jacoby George (80), Michael Reid (35) and Trevor Etienne (23) …

Getting to work – one way or another … pic.twitter.com/AIVOK2BnEO

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

UDFA offensive linemen Steven Losoya (66), Luke Kendra (67) and Michael Tarquin (71) decided to walk. They did so in virtual unison …

Here come ⁦@Panthers⁩ OL for start of Day 2 of #NFL rookie minicamp … pic.twitter.com/HHcC0ZDMUm

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 10, 2025

To prepare for the final rookie workout, the players engaged in a series of pre-practrice stretching activities …

⁦@Panthers⁩ rookies prepare for start of Saturday’s #NFL rookie camp … pic.twitter.com/XvDIUIpddD

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

For most rookies, special teams work is often an entry-level position. When it comes to undrafted free agents and tryouts, displaying skills, like gunner, can be a coveted role …

⁦@Panthers⁩ rookies show off their #NFL special teams gunner skills … pic.twitter.com/lxMzpcVhVA

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

Canales watched the action closely …

⁦@Panthers⁩ coach Dave Canales watches the action … pic.twitter.com/a3qBaPpS3J

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 10, 2025

Tarquin received a masterclass in tutelage from offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, who would become a star if the Panthers were selected for HBO Sports’ “Hard Knocks” …

⁦@Panthers⁩ OL coach Joe Gilbert can flat-out mentor #NFL prospects … pic.twitter.com/3aPzeiuJmO

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

Fin, delayed …

⁦@Panthers⁩ endured a bit of a delay at the close of Saturday’s #NFL rookie camp ,,, pic.twitter.com/VwxdC1opch

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

After, media members took their turns examining the NFL prospects. How many will be around after Saturday? …

#NFL Rookie OLB Nic Scourton may be unsigned but he still spoke of his ⁦@Panthers⁩ future … pic.twitter.com/WzV2VDvOxt

— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) May 11, 2025

This article first appeared on Sportscasting and was syndicated with permission.

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