CHARLOTTE — (WLOS) A warm day in early June provided the Carolina Panthers with clean conditions for their fifth and penultimate Organized Team Activity practice.

This early in the NFL calendar, the motives are about foundations and team bonding. And the earlier you can establish a competitive nature, the better.

“The guys enjoy coming out and getting there work. And it’s a commitment these guys have to become the best we could possibly become, and know what we’re chasing after.,” said second-year head coach, Dave Canales.”

OTA’s are voluntary, and the Panthers still don’t have too many players absent. A nice element to have high participation this point in the year.

“It means a lot to me, especially to the coaches and the support staff. That the guys come here and feel like they have every resource at their disposal – that’s my dream. To make sure the guys feel at home here. They have everything from a training standpoint, teaching standpoint, all those things.

Carolina’s 2025 first round pick, wide receiver who went 8th overall from Arizona, Tetairoa McMillan, adjusting to how NFL defenders will attack and guard him.

“Playing more physical, playing with my hands a little bit more, either at the top of my route or at my releases, are pretty much what I’m working on right now.”

With veteran Adam Thielen returning, and Hunter Renfrow joining after sitting out a year after a stint with the Raiders, along with 2024 first round pick Xavier Legette, the wide receiver room may be something this team can lean on.

“It’s a blessing, I’m the new guy around town, I’ve never played in this league. Hunter [Renfrow] is going on year eight, Adam [Theilen] is going on I think year 13. For them, to have that knowledge, that wisdom, I’m all ears when they speak. Being able to find out whatever makes them great, that can make me better and succeed at this level.”

The workhorse for Carolina a season ago, running back Chubba Hubbard, doubling his best season touchdown output with 10, and his first 1,000 yard rushing season, just shy of 1,200 yards, a clear cut leader on this team that is still building their identity, says Canales.

“Since Day 1, Chubba say been a pro. He takes care of his body, he studies, it matters to him. He sets a standard for that room and certainly for that offense. Even in the walk-throughs, he’s like ‘let’s go, get set.’ He knows what we’re looking for and how we want it to feel like.”

The final OTA practice will be Thursday, June fifth.