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Vernon Butler First Impressions

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

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Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

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The 2016 Carolina Panthers rookie camp has finally arrived. 

The first practice consisted of light drills and installs where players are taught their roles and responsibilities in the Panthers schemes. The key for these rookies, and the difference between making and not making the squad, will be how well they retain and execute what they learned. 

Vernon Butler, the first round pick, of course got most of the media attention. Here is what I noticed about the big fella....

panthers-rookie-camp (24 of 26).jpg

Butler isn't all that tall, but that is not necessarily a disadvantage at his position. Afterall, Warren Sapp was the same playing height. Sometimes a lower center of gravity is a good thing if it can be worked as an advantage. 

I was impressed with Butler's speed off the snap. His feet move more like a defensive end than a defensive tackle. Notice how much ahead of the other guys he is here. That is what makes a first round pick a first round pick. 

panthers-rookie-camp (3 of 26).jpg

Of course, it is difficult to say much else about Butler at this point. With no contact being allowed his speed and agility in drills are the only things to take notice of. 

Off the field, Butler is a very likable character and spend quite a bit of time speaking with the media. For a rookie is as outgoing and personable as I have met. 

panthers-rookie-camp (26 of 26).jpg

 

More from today's practice 

General Notes and Photos from Practice 1 -> http://bit.ly/24Qo88J

Enter Sandland -> http://bit.ly/2257dO9

 


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OnlyPantherFaninMaine Community Regular

OnlyPantherFaninMaine

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Also worth noting that Butler has very long arms and giant hands as well. If he can develop great hand use and placement, interior offensive linemen are going to struggle to get their hands on and engage him in both pass protection and run blocking. Long arms and initial burst off the line of scrimmage, especially for a guy of his weight and power are great traits to have at the defensive tackle position. I suspect the work of Coach Washington and having guys like Star and Kawann to learn from will allow his transition to the NFL to be as smooth as possible. I'm liking this pick more and more. Really excited to see how creative we can get on passing downs and backed up against the goal line. 

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