06-20-2025, 12:02 PM -
The Panthers reportedly have expressed quite a bit of excitement in Undrafted Rookie Cornerback Corey Thornton (Louisville). Watching his highlights made me think back to Josh Norman. He's got a little stuff to clean up, but if he makes the team, he might become a starter sooner rather than later. And the Panthers paid him $140,000 guaranteed, which is a lot for an undrafted player.
https://catcrave.com/panthers-may-have-f...ven-trying
Carolina Panthers impressed by Corey Thornton's transition over early workouts
That's why Dave Canales singling out Corey Thornton for special praise at minicamp was telling. The head coach was quick to point out the undrafted free agent as a lively candidate to make the squad when discussing cornerback depth. That doesn't guarantee anything, but it's evident the former Louisville standout has done enough to catch the eye of coaches in double-quick time.
Although Thornton didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Panthers still valued him highly. They gave him $140,000 guaranteed to bring him to the franchise, which is a decent amount for an undrafted free agent looking to make their way. This also represented a tremendous landing spot for the player.
The Panthers didn't do much to strengthen their cornerback room this offseason. Morgan opted to stand pat, extending Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. instead. Hopes are high that Chau Smith-Wade can become more influential in Year 2. Shemar Bartholomew has impressed in early workouts, and waiver wire pickup MJ Devonshire should also fancy his chances of making the roster.
Thornton has similar ambitions. He's got the size and length typically associated with cornerbacks in Ejiro Evero's system. He's a smooth athlete but a little undersized. Boosting his play strength before training camp would be wise. That's the best way to cope with the increased intensity as players fight for starting jobs and roster spots over a grueling summer.
It might come to nothing, but that doesn't detract from the outstanding start made by Thornton. However, what comes next is even more important.
https://catcrave.com/panthers-may-have-f...ven-trying
Carolina Panthers impressed by Corey Thornton's transition over early workouts
That's why Dave Canales singling out Corey Thornton for special praise at minicamp was telling. The head coach was quick to point out the undrafted free agent as a lively candidate to make the squad when discussing cornerback depth. That doesn't guarantee anything, but it's evident the former Louisville standout has done enough to catch the eye of coaches in double-quick time.
Although Thornton didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Panthers still valued him highly. They gave him $140,000 guaranteed to bring him to the franchise, which is a decent amount for an undrafted free agent looking to make their way. This also represented a tremendous landing spot for the player.
The Panthers didn't do much to strengthen their cornerback room this offseason. Morgan opted to stand pat, extending Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. instead. Hopes are high that Chau Smith-Wade can become more influential in Year 2. Shemar Bartholomew has impressed in early workouts, and waiver wire pickup MJ Devonshire should also fancy his chances of making the roster.
Thornton has similar ambitions. He's got the size and length typically associated with cornerbacks in Ejiro Evero's system. He's a smooth athlete but a little undersized. Boosting his play strength before training camp would be wise. That's the best way to cope with the increased intensity as players fight for starting jobs and roster spots over a grueling summer.
It might come to nothing, but that doesn't detract from the outstanding start made by Thornton. However, what comes next is even more important.
