Carolina Panthers cornerback making plays, showing growth in competitive minicamp
Corey Thornton turned heads during his first NFL training camp last year. And with the way he’s performed during the Carolina Panthers’ mandatory minicamp this week, the former undrafted cornerback looks poised to have an even better summer when the crew returns to uptown Charlotte in July.
Thornton was sticking to wideouts throughout Wednesday’s minicamp workout. He proved to be a tough assignment, particularly for slot receivers, as the 6-foot-1, 195-pound defender mirrored their routes in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
He also came away with the defensive highlight of the day, breaking on a deep ball from quarterback Bryce Young to wideout Jalen Coker, for an interception in team drills.
“All the work that he’s put in his first year is paying off for him,” head coach Dave Canales said after the workout. “Being conscientious of the schemes, how to play different techniques. He’s had exposure outside (at cornerback), at the nickel (position), at the safety spot. A lot of trust with Corey, especially coming off the (fibula) injury — he attacked the rehab, came back out here and has looked great, more and more comfortable. And I love seeing him make plays because he’s worked so hard at it.”
“He’s the first guy on the field,” Canales added. “And he’s out here, working on his craft, going through his stances, footwork and all those things. So, when guys work like that, I expect good things to come, and so I’m just really glad that he’s continuing to grow and progress.”
Thornton sustained a fractured fibula in the Week 12 loss to San Francisco last year. Before going down with the season-ending ailment, Thornton had unseated Chau Smith-Wade as the team’s starting nickel corner prior to the Week 11 win over Atlanta.
Thornton, who played college ball at Louisville, went from being an overlooked prospect to an overachieving asset for the Panthers in a matter of months. He collected 14 tackles, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in 12 games, despite being a deep reserve throughout the first half of the campaign.
Now in his second offseason in Carolina, Thornton looks to be headed for a major role in the defensive backfield, and fellow cornerback Jaycee Horn has enjoyed watching his younger teammate grow this spring.
“He’s been the same player — I think he’s getting a little smarter,” Horn said. “Any time you’re in a defense a second time around, you’re going to understand it better and know where your help is at and know how to play certain downs different. And I think this OTA, that’s just what he’s showing. He’s playing safety, playing nickel and playing corner. He’s handling it all well, so I think he’s just been the same guy he’s always been, just getting better.”
Panthers expect McMillan to be ready for training camp
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who took part in individual drills Tuesday, was sidelined on Wednesday. The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is dealing with foot soreness that popped up during the offseason program.
McMillan said he won’t require surgery. He also noted that he feels good enough to practice right now.
Following practice, a Panthers spokesperson clarified that the team expects McMillan to be ready for training camp in July. Canales has routinely brought up the need to manage injuries — not just McMillan’s ailment — at this point in the offseason.
Horn and right tackle Taylor Moton were both given off-days during the workout. Defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte and linebackers Trevin Wallace and Bam Martin-Scott continued to wear red non-contact jerseys while participating in drills.
Second-round pick Lee Hunter, who missed Tuesday’s workout due to personal reasons, returned to work on Wednesday.
Outside linebacker Thomas Incoom (undisclosed), defensive end Turk Wharton (neck) and offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu (knee) were all seen on the field, but they weren’t available for drills, as expected.
Offensive depth chart coming together
With Moton on the sideline, free-agent addition Stone Forsythe worked with the first- and second-team units at right tackle. Rasheed Walker continued to get the bulk of the starting reps at left tackle, while first-round pick Monroe Freeling worked almost exclusively with the second-team group on the blind side.
Luke Fortner continued to get the first-team reps at center. Nick Samac and rookie Sam Hecht shared the depth snaps.
Rookie quarterback Haynes King received the third-string reps under center on Wednesday. He had a couple of throws to tight end Mitchell Evans and Jimmy Horn Jr. during his limited stretch of reps in 11-on-11 work.
Jimmy Horn, who has been working with the depth units, had the offensive play of the afternoon. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett launched a ball roughly 30 yards down the field to Horn, who ran a “go” route, to the end zone for a touchdown in 7-on-7 work. It was easily Horn’s most impressive play during the offseason program in front of media. Pickett’s toss was on the money and was a substantial highlight play for him as well.
At tight end, Evans, Feleipe Franks and James Mitchell continued to get plenty of looks from the backup QBs. Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders had their moments with Young in the pocket as well.
Quick hits
- Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who is seeing time at safety, blitzed Pickett for a would-be sack during 11-on-11 work.
- Running back Jonathon Brooks, who is returning from back-to-back ACL surgeries on his right knee, caught a pass in the flat from Young and blazed down the field through traffic. It was a non-contact drill but Brooks looked fast, fluid and decisive as he cut through the defense.
- The No. 3 wideout battle took center stage during a sequence of throws by Young in 7-on-7 drills. The starting QB targeted Xavier Legette over the middle and the receiver let the ball bounce off his hands. Then, Young hit third-round pick Chris Brazzell over the middle on an intermediate route. Not discouraged by the previous drop, Young then went back to Legette, who made a difficult catch while falling to the ground. Young also hit Legette on a short toss later in 11-on-11 drills.
- Coker, a third-year wideout, is having a strong offseason program. He’s making routine plays and getting open with relative ease. He’s arguably been the most consistent offensive performer in front of media during OTAs and minicamp so far.
