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Carolina Sports News

Carolina Panthers Notebook: Pat Jones II Fishing For New Pass-Rush Culture During NFL OTAs

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fishing was such a big topic of NFL edge rusher Pat Jones II’s free-agent talks, Lake Norman naturally became a key negotiating tool for the Carolina Panthers. 

Helping lure Jones from the “Land of the Lakes” Minnesota Vikings, general manager Dan Morgan utilized the 22-mile network of lakes and streams surrounding Charlotte, North Carolina, to finalize a two-year, $20 million deal to help bolster an anemic pass rush. 

Since joining the Panthers in March and between the six organized training activities (OTAs) workouts the past two weeks, Jones is adapting well to his new environment. 

“(Fishing has) been good,” Jones said Tuesday. “Yeah, I found a little spot the other day, so we’re going to tap in and try to find some more spots.” 

Fishing is such a big part of Jones’ life, the five-year veteran incorporated a casting-and-reel-in-a-fish motion during sack celebrations. He compiled a career-high seven QB takedowns last season and is expected to pick up the slack after the Panthers released Jadeveon Clowney. The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native compiled 5.5 sacks last season, but often ran his way out of plays. 

As a team, the Panthers produced just 17 sacks, tied for the league low. 

The Panthers also baited Jones by offering him a chance to reunite with D.J. Wonnum. The duo played three seasons together with the Vikings. 

“Oh yeah, I mean it’s kind of crazy because when we both got to Minnesota, we were both the younger guys in the room, so we sit down and talk about it and laugh about it,” Jones said. “And just we really talk about it too, to see what we could do to be better and to use what we learn from our older vets and pass it down to our rookies.” 

The Panthers also landed two edge rushers in the draft with second-rounder Nic Scourton and third-rounder Princely Umanmielen, but, Jones and Wonnum could form the new starting edge combination.  

Rising Rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. Sidelined 

Hampered sixth-round draft pick Jimmy Horn Jr. couldn’t carry the momentum over from a standout rookie minicamp to the end of OTA workouts. The speedy wide receiver/kick returner sat out Tuesday’s practice that was open to the media. 

Canales didn’t expect Horn back for this week’s final three OTAs. 

“He’s got a hamstring that we’re managing right now, so we’re just rehabbing him,” Canales said. “He’s in return to play.” 

That indicates Horn will be ready for the three-day mandatory minicamp, which opens Tuesday. 

Canales anticipates utilizing Horn’s athleticism on specials teams and special offensive sets. 

“Jimmy gives us a lot of options,” Canales said. “There’s some perimeter things we can do with him. The jet sweep game, but then also from his college film he’s a receiver first and foremost. He can stretch the field. He can separate and he’s got a lot of energy and passion.” 

Quick hitters … 

Second-year cornerback Shemar Bartholomew ended Tuesday’s workout by intercepting quarterback Andy Dalton. … Bartholomew and Akayleb Evans remain the top candidates to earn the CB3/4 roles. … No pads, but running back Rico Dowdle looks shifty. Behind a potential top-10 offensive line, Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard could form one of the league’s top duos in Canales’ run-first offense. … Injured tight end Tommy Tremble (back) likely won’t return until after training camp, Canales said.

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