Dave Canales gives his first impression of Diontae Johnson
Carolina Panthers head coach has liked what he has seen from Diontae Johnson after the first day of training camp.
Dave Canales hinted that the Carolina Panthers' options at wide receiver are seemingly endless. That's a first for Bryce Young.
The top option coming into day one of training camp was former Pittsburgh Steelers Diontae Johnson. Young and Johnson appeared to have a budding connection Wednesday, with reports of the two connecting on a few pitch-and-catches circulating social media. Canales, already a believer in Johnson, who left Pittsburgh under worrisome conditions, could say enough about his abilities.
"Diontae is a special mover," Canales said. "He’s really explosive, really fast through his turns. I’ve watched them grow that chemistry. Getting out here today is another step in building that.”
Canales' offensive approach will feature the run and play action passing game, allowing the ball to get out of Young's hands at a quicker rate.
Johnson is elite at creating separation. No Panthers wide receiver could do that during Young's rookie season.
The theory of the case makes sense. Johnson will become Young's No. 1 option and as a result, the former No. 1 overall pick has a steady second campaign under center.
It is a theory Canales appears bought into, for now.
"As we build our offense, we really try to feature someone," he said.
