SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- I’m spending another day with the Carolina Panthers. But let’s take this time to run through some headlines from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
D. Orlando Ledbetter writes that undrafted rookie Martel Moore has been turning some heads in camp. I saw him make a spectacular diving catch Friday when I was at camp. Still, Moore faces an uphill battle to make the roster. He’ll need to beat out Drew Davis and Kevin Cone for one of the final two receiver spots.
First-round pick Desmond Trufant has been working at right cornerback and nickel back early in camp. Trufant has taken some lumps while trying to cover Julio Jones and Roddy White. That’s natural because those are two elite receivers. But the Falcons are hoping Trufant will be ready to start by the beginning of the regular season.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Tom Sorensen has a column on rookie running back Kenjon Barner. The team is deep at that position with veterans DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert. But Barner’s speed has stood out the last two days as I’ve watched camp and he also has return ability. If he keeps progressing, Barner should be able to earn a roster spot and may even have a chance to have a role in the offense.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Terrance Harris writes that Nick Toon, who missed his rookie season with an injury, has shown big-play ability early in camp. If he keeps doing that, Toon could have a shot at the third receiver job.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Stephen Holder writes about the competition for the No. 3 receiver spot between Kevin Ogletree and Tiquan Underwood. Coach Greg Schiano has said both have a shot to win the job. The third receiver could have a critical role in an offense that doesn’t have an established receiving threat at tight end.
