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

No. 8 overall draft pick Tetairoa McMillan, among the six draftees to sign Thursday, strolled up to his first professional practice. Can the 6-foot-4 receiver develop into Bryce Young’s “X” receiver option? … 

 Rookie warm-up … 

The players received the signal to start their next stretching drill … 

 The players absorbed Canales’s final words before they separated into position groups. The offense was guided by UDFA quarterback Ethan Garbers, who appeared sharp, at times. At other times, however, his throws looked high and wide, testing the receivers’ catch radius … 

Panthers offensive line coach Joe Gilbert seeks young OL prospects to groom this season and started molding Michael Tarquin (71) and Luke Kandra (67) Friday … 

 With second-year RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) out for the season, Etienne has an opportunity to fill a key role in Canales’ run-oriented offense. Once he signs, that is … 

During his two seasons at Colorado, Jimmy Horn Jr. became a favorite of coach Deion Sanders. Will his speed and elusiveness soon make the sixth-round draft pick a favorite of Canales’? … 

 After displaying his elite catch radius on a few high and wide receptions Friday, T-Mac spoke of his opportunity with the Panthers. Canales gushes over his first impressions. “He looks smooth, easy to throw to, just like we thought,” Canales said … 

 The Charlotte (N.C) Post reported on a twin brotherly boost … 

To close Friday’s opening act, second-round draft pick Nic Scourton (11) and fifth-round defensive tackle Cam Jackson (76) paused after signing autographs for a post-practice pose …