The Carolina Panthers Minicamp for 2016 is underway. These practices are nearly identical to the OTA practices of the past few week, only they are mandatory.

Kawann Short arrived at practice and had a brief encounter with Carolina Panthers GM Dave Gettleman.

The two appeared to be as friendly as ever. That is typically how it is with Gettleman. Business is business. There is no room for hurt feelings. The latest Fletcher Cox contract has put Short’s future with the Panthers in real jeopardy. Ron Rivera admitted as much in the post practice interviews.

Still, the players understand that they need to make as much money as they can, while they can. There is never any animosity among players over contract difficulties.

Cam Newton went with the camouflage undershirt. Newton had a solid day today which included the longest touchdown pass of offseason practices thus far. (At least the ones media is allowed to attend.

Second year right tackle Daryl Williams spend nearly the entire practice with the first string. Williams is one of the largest lineman on the Panthers squad with the mean streak to match. If he can continue to get time with the first string on a regular basis, the starting job may be his to lose.

Second year running back Brandon Wegher saw increased time with the second string unit, along with Cameron Artis-Payne. Both showed tremendous speed. In one particular play, Artis-Payne was through the gap and into the defensive backfield as quickly as I have ever seen in any Carolina Panthers practice.

Fan favorite Stephen Hill continues to show improved hands, mostly. He almost dropped a pass today but managed to press it to his shoulder and maintain control.

Carolina Panthers Minicamp Notes: (Photography not allowed)

Rookie seventh round draft pick Beau Sandland had one of the nicest plays of the day. Sandland reached out and made a one handed catch in the front corner of the end zone for a touchdown from Derek Anderson. Ron Rivera always says you want to see flashes from the rookies. Well, this was a huge one for Sandland.

Soon thereafter, Sandland received reps with Cam Newton and the first string. Ed Dickson had a drop earlier in the practice which may have contributed to the change.

The funniest moment of the day was after Fozzy Whitaker could not catch up with a long pass. Cam Newton ran towards fozzy screaming “You gotta dive, Foz!”. Newton demonstrated by laying on the ground and extended his arms forward, Superman style.

Kurt Coleman continues to start at strong safety. Dean Marlowe did step in with the first string to fill in for him from time to time.

Shaq Thompson showed excellent speed by tipping a Cam Newton bullet pass.

The nickel corner position today was changed up a bit. Robert McClain and Lou Young filled in for most of the day. Rookie Zack Sanchez played mostly on the outside.

Marcus Ball saw time at second string Strong Safety. I spoke to Tre Boston after practice. Boston told me Ball is probably the most athletic safety on the team overall.

The punt returners today were Ted Ginn, Brenton Bersin, Damiere Byrd, and Miles Shuler… in that order.

After practice Cam Newton and Greg Olsen embraced as Luke Kuechly spoke to them. This is the type of scene that should make all Panthers fans smile.

Carolina Panthers Minicamp resumes tomorrow.