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Two Second-Year Prospects Panthers Fans Need To Watch In NFL Preseason Opener

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panthers preseason opener

For NFL insiders looking to gain early insight on the Carolina Panthers facing the host New England Patriots on Thursday night, they will have trouble gauging the top prospects on the league’s worst team last season. 

The Panthers’ top two rookies – first-rounder Xavier Legette and second-rounder Jonathon Brooks – will open the three-game preseason schedule sidelined with injuries. Both are expected to eventually play major roles, although Brooks (knee) is not expected back until at least Week 4 of the regular season. Legette (lower leg) remains day-to-day. 

Second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who registered the league’s lowest passer rating last season (73.7), also will be held out against the Patriots. 

Two rising second-year players could prove to be important pieces to the Panthers rebounding from last season’s 2-15 mark: Jonathan Mingo and DJ Johnson. Both struggled as rookies, but through the offseason program and 10 training camp practices, they have positioned themselves to play prominent roles. 

They still must prove themselves at the NFL level, though, and that starts Thursday against the Patriots.

DJ Johnson Moves Into Starting Role 

When the Panthers released their first depth chart Tuesday, casual observers may have been surprised to see Johnson listed as a starting outside linebacker, opposite Jadeveon Clowney. As a rookie, Johnson failed to make much of an impact. In fact, he was a healthy scratch for the opening three games. 

In 13 appearances, Johnson failed to record a sack or quarterback hit. 

The way Johnson performed during his second training camp, Clowney remains confident in his edge partner in the Panthers’ 3-4 base defense. 

“He’s definitely one of the best edge setters that we have out there,” Clowney told reporters. “Setting the edge, stopping the run, DJ definitely brings that physicality to the game and you need that out of the guys around you.” 

The Panthers need Johnson to emerge as a consistent pass-rush threat, especially with D.J. Wonnum, the presumed starter, recovering from a partially torn quadriceps. 

“DJ, he’s doing fantastic,” coach Dave Canales said last Saturday. “He’s the effort and the style we’re looking for. DJ’s exemplifying that. So, I’m really hoping to see what he gets to do.”

Jonathan Mingo Catching On To NFL Business 

When the Panthers drafted Mingo 39th overall during the 2023 draft, the previous Panthers regime envisioned the 6-foot-2, 220-pound wide receiver would be in a position to grow with Young, who was selected first overall. 

Their early growth, however, stalled with the offensive dysfunction that led to the Panthers ranking last in yards per game (265.3). Mingo failed to display much big-play potential, compiling 48 catches for 418 yards and zero touchdowns.  

Determined, Mingo sought out the help of Hall of Famer Steve Smith Sr., who took him to his version of wide receiver school. 

“This is Steve Smith and Jonathan Mingo, adjoined to the hip,” Smith said. “He calls me, I call him. When I see something or he has a question, there’s an open line of communication.” 

Mingo also trained with Young “a couple of times,” over the summer. 

The former Mississippi standout apparently learned his lessons well. 

“I’m just trying to go out there and capitalize on my opportunities every day,” Mingo said July 29. “I just got a better feel for the game,” Mingo said. “I feel like me and him got a good groove together right now.”

Main Image: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

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