Panthers stock watch: Shenault, Marshall surge during camp, Haynes loses momentum
The Panthers are three weeks into training camp, and with just two joint workouts against the New York Jets left on the schedule at Wofford College, a few dark-horse players have emerged among the roster battles being staged in Spartanburg, S.C.
Although it’s become clear that rookie quarterback Bryce Young is “the guy” in Carolina, most of his teammates are fighting for roles on the 53-man roster. As some players have thrived beyond their pre-camp projections, others have slumped out of the gate and have failed to find their footing.
With two joint practices and three preseason games on the horizon, Panthers Stock Watch makes note of the players who have built up some major roster momentum, and the others who need to step it up in a hurry.
TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE RECAPS: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10
Stock Up
WR Terrace Marshall
The 2021 second-round pick has thrived over the past two weeks. Marshall has made a handful of impressive plays in the past week alone, and he has serious momentum entering the preseason. After a standout workout on Tuesday, Marshall could see a bunch of opportunities against a talented Jets defense throughout the remainder of the week. The preseason will be huge for Marshall.
WR Laviska Shenault
Shenault was a one-trick playmaker with the Panthers last season. Now, under a new staff, he is one of the most frequently utilized players in the lineup at Wofford College. While head coach Frank Reich had compared Shenault to San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel in the spring, Shenault’s skill set is more akin to Atlanta’s Cordarrelle Patterson’s traits and abilities. He is going to touch the ball more than anyone on the outside than was initially imagined.
ILB Kamu Grugier-Hill
The journeyman linebacker has three interceptions in team drills during training camp. And while the Panthers did sign Deion Jones to add depth to their linebacker group, Grugier-Hill has continued to make regular plays with pads on. The veteran is an ace special teams player and that should allow the Panthers to keep a stronger inside linebacker group together this fall. Grugier-Hill is primed for a roster spot and role on defense this year.
OLB Eku Leota
It’s hard to think of an undrafted player who has helped his Panthers roster stock more than Leota in training camp. The Auburn alum has been relentless during the second week of training camp, producing regular pressure and creating would-be sacks in team drills. He will need to carry that momentum into joint practices with the Jets and the preseason to make the initial 53-man roster.
OLB Kobe Jones
Like Leota, Jones has been a regular wrecking ball on defense during training camp. The practice-squad holdover is getting more reps with Marquis Haynes (back) sidelined, and he needs to continue to produce with Justin Houston now in town. Jones is a bubble player who the Panthers can probably get through waivers during final cuts, but a strong showing in the preseason could give the front office pause in risking that gamble.
CB Keith Taylor
After an up-and-down second season, Taylor has bounced back in a big way during his third NFL training camp. He has used his size well in coverage and been able to make regular plays as a menace in the secondary. Taylor has the size and length that match up with fellow members of the defensive backfield and he has earned praise from the new staff.
DT Marquan McCall
McCall closed the book on the starting nose tackle competition during the first week of camp. The massive lineman has been excellent as a gap defender, and the defensive line has benefited from his ability to take on double teams. The Panthers want consistency from McCall, and he will be a major player to watch during joint practices.
G Nash Jensen
Jensen is a bully on the offensive line. The undrafted guard from North Dakota State has been regularly rotating into the lineup against some notable talent on defense and held his own as a blocker. Jensen has a mean streak and never seems to be intimidated by his assignment. He needs to have a big preseason to stick to the active roster, but so far, so good.
Stock Down
OLB Marquis Haynes
Haynes has missed more than a week of practice with a back issue. The former favorite for the second starting edge job has not been able to compete for the position throughout the majority of camp. And on top of that, the Panthers went out and signed Houston to a deal worth $6 million in guaranteed money this week. Haynes has a place in this lineup, but his outlook as a starter has taken a massive hit over the past few days.
OLB DJ Johnson
Although Johnson has had a few nice moments in practice, he still seems way behind the rest of the pass-rushing group, including Leota, who is an undrafted rookie. Johnson is a power rusher who needs to be playing in live games to show his ultimate worth. Still, it seems like the team views him as a long-term project, and the Houston signing only further solidifies that notion.
CB Rejzohn Wright
Wright didn’t get off to a great start in camp, regularly losing in coverage to mid-depth chart wideouts during the first three practices. Following that trio of workouts, Wright missed four practices with an undisclosed injury. When he returned to the field, he has been outperformed by fellow deep-depth cornerbacks like Keith Taylor, Mark Milton and Herb Miller.
ILB Brandon Smith
Although Smith made a great heads-up play on a forced fumble during the first week of camp, he has failed to keep that momentum going. Since that early highlight, Grugier-Hill has emerged, the team has signed Deion Jones, and the edge rushing depth chart has also widened. At this point, Smith could run the risk of being lost in a numbers game with a new staff in place. Smith will need to play lights out in the preseason to solidify his spot on the roster.
More training camp reading at charlotteobserver.com:
▪ Panthers safety Xavier Woods says everyone knows what he needs to improve on in 2023
▪ Under-the-radar Panthers defender wants to ‘take up space’ to benefit his teammates
▪ For Panthers offense to get better, this player must come back. But he’s not ready yet
▪ He’s a huge Carolina Panthers fan and podcaster. He’s also an inspiration
▪ How Panthers lineman went from loading Amazon trucks to signing with hometown team
This story was originally published August 9, 2023 at 7:30 AM.
