Panthers underrated defensive back was the biggest standout of minicamp and can fill the missing piece in the secondary
Carolina Panthers defensive back Corey Thornton was all over the field for the team’s defense throughout mandatory minicamp and heads into the break with positive momentum toward earning a big role in the secondary.
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales canceled Thursday’s practice, bringing the team’s mandatory minicamp to an end after just two days of work on the field. Now, starts the long break until training camp begins on July 22.
After Wednesday’s practice, Canales hinted that Thursday’s practice would center more on situational work. Instead, Canales is saving that and giving the team extra rest before the “hardest camp they’ve ever had.”
With that being the case, we can reflect a day early on this week’s action and let’s start by discussion on of the team’s top standouts from the week of practice.
Carolina Panthers DB Corey Thornton impressed coaches and teammates during minicamp this week
Panthers defensive back Corey Thornton didn’t have much support on the outside coming into the offseason after suffering a broken fibula 12 games into his rookie season. The team’s former undrafted free agent planned to regain his stock this spring and certainly managed to accomplish that.
“All the work that he’s put in in his first year is paying off for him, being conscientious of the schemes, how to play different techniques, he’s had exposure outside at the nickel, at the safety spot, a lot of trust with Corey, especially coming off the injury,” Canales said.
“He attacked the rehab, came back out here, and he’s looked great, more and more comfortable, and I love seeing him make plays because he worked so hard at it.”
Thornton’s versatility has been standing out
As Canales mentioned, the Panthers cross-trained Thornton at various different positions in the secondary as the team tries to mix-n-match the talent they have in that room to find the best mixture of players. As a former UDFA, versatility is key for Thornton’s chances of sticking around on the 53-man roster in Year 2.
“He’s been the same player,” Panthers Pro Bowl CB Jaycee Horn explained. “I think he’s getting a little smarter, just getting — anytime you’re in the defense, the second time around, you’re going to understand it better and know where you’re helping and know how to play certain downs differently.
“And I think this here is just what he’s showing, you know, he’s playing safety, playing nickel, 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.”
Regardless of where he’s played, Thornton has stood out and present a great matchup against multiple different pass catchers on the Panthers’ offense. Which will lead to some more exciting battles in camp.
Showing a competitive nature on and off the field
After adding a new cornerback in Will Lee III and a new safety in Zakee Wheatley in the draft, pressure was on multiple returning defensive backs to step up and compete. Thornton has been one of the brightest players on the field this week, whether that’s by intercepting quarterback Bryce Young in team drills or demonstrating a work ethic that extends off the field.
“He’s the first guy on the field, and he’s out here working on his craft, going through his stances, his footwork, and all those things,” Canales added. “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 was making the right strides in minicamp to catch people’s attention. But, teams don’t determine their starting lineups in the spring.
The Panthers have two starting spots set at cornerback with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. The third is still up for grabs when players return in late July for training camp. Thornton will be one of the candidates worth watching.