NFL
Sights, Sounds: Carolina Panthers Cap 2-Day NFL Rookie Minicamp
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He ed the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on Get to know Jeff Hawkins better
Published10 May 2025
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 es 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 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
