Carolina’s wide receiver room isn’t the deepest, but its first few seats are already reserved. Newly-acquired Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson will be the go-to guy, the ageless wonder Adam Thielen will continue to be quarterback Bryce Young’s safety net and first-round pick Xavier Legette could be earmarked as the No. 3 option.

So if there’s a race for the space behind that trio, we have our early frontrunner—and it’s Mingo.

Last year’s second-round pick was hardly a blip on the radar during his rookie campaign, as he reeled in 43 passes for 418 yards and zero touchdowns. But the big-bodied wideout may be filling out the dynamic role this organization envisioned for him in 2023, as he’s establishing a stronger connection with Young and making quite the impression on head coach Dave Canales.

Dave Canales asked by @mike_e_kaye about WR room, particularly the guys behind Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette, who’ve had a lot of fanfare.

First name: “Mingo.” pic.twitter.com/LvrOVMXRJk

— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) July 27, 2024

If you’re a master of context clues, that clip of Canales may have spoiled this reveal for you. Nonetheless, Marshall Jr. deserves some recognition for his strong offseason.

After being praised for his preparation this spring, the 2021 second-rounder has started his summer by shining on a few “wow” catches.

🎯 Dot from Bryce Young to Terrace Marshall Jr today

Notice Bryce’s anticipation here. He’s already started his throwing motion before TMJ turned out of his break, his back is still facing the QB.#Panthers | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/iiih8ViIOf

— Keep Purring Podcast (Ben) (@KeepPurringBen) July 25, 2024

With a few new shiny toys in the mix, Marshall Jr. may be easy to overlook—especially as he’s amassed just 767 receiving yards and one score through three pro seasons. Plus, he’s now working under his third different regime since coming to Carolina—so this offensive coaching staff certainly doesn’t have ties to him.

His performance to this point, however, should certainly have this team’s attention.

The Panthers are playing it safe with the oft-injured Jaycee Horn, who was on a pitch count for his outing at Back Together Saturday. So when they pulled their No. 1 corner from practice, who was the first player in his stead?

It was Bootle—who could be parlaying his sample-sized, yet encouraging 2023 showing into a pretty decent role.

Carolina, who is projected to start Dane Jackson opposite of Horn, is notably thin at the position. Bootle already seems to be the favorite for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero as the next man up on the outside.

If we’re judging the kicker competition by the early numbers, Piñeiro is in the lead.

The fifth-year veteran was perfect at the first practice, nailing all five his field goal attempts with a long of 52 yards. His competition, undrafted rookie Harrison Mevis, went a combined seven-of-10 on his tries between Thursday and Saturday.