North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE—The Carolina Panthers' seven-man rookie draft class has experienced a whirlwind over the past two months. Since NFL draft weekend, rookies have moved to Charlotte, gone through rookie minicamp, and started organized team activities (OTAs). Mandatory minicamp is wrapping up this week and training camp will arrive quickly in July.

As the rookie draft class works through their first offseason, each will take time to reflect on their journey to this point and their time in the league thus far. Three rookies will take us along through the end of OTAs and mandatory minicamp, while the rest will take us along through training camp.

Next up is linebacker Michael Barrett. The Michigan alum and South Georgia native was drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round (No. 250 overall).

"Draft night was hectic. I was out in Georgia with my family, kind of surrounded by some family friends. Just nerve-wracking waiting on that call, waiting to see where my next home would be. So just a mix of emotions; being excited and happy, sad, angry, all in one to be honest."

"Honestly, I thought I would get drafted earlier. With the draft process, you never really know, so I kind of just kept an open mind about everything, of how things would play out. I kind of was angry first…I've had the thought of that day so many times and it didn't play out how I thought it would. But then after getting that call and being surrounded by my family and being able to enjoy that with them, they've seen how much I worked for it and just having them there with me in that moment, it was exciting for sure."

"But it was motivational in that moment. Honestly, I've always kind of been an underdog. The one that's been overlooked. I've always had to work my way back using my emotions. (There's) motivation to not really get back at but prove everybody wrong. I've heard all the negatives about me or why I didn't get drafted higher or why this and that. They asked me if I had a chip on my shoulder from it and I feel like I have a whole bag."

"It's kind of just been my normal throughout high school, throughout college. I've always had to make a name for myself and work my way from the bottom. That feeling of feeling like I wasn't enough or I'm not good enough to have been drafted higher just feeling unwanted—that just lit a fire. So all the thoughts were just running through my head and being able to focus that into positive energy—it was hard in the moment—but I gave myself 10 seconds of getting all my emotions out."

"I give myself 10 seconds whenever I feel like I need to get some emotions out—screams, yells, whatever I need to do—give myself 10 seconds and then use it to really lock in focus it into a positive way."

The rookies first took part in a weekend rookie minicamp. When veterans returned though, the inside linebacker room was filled out with impact players like longtime Panther Shaq Thompsonand newly acquired free agent Josey Jewell. Those two among others get a lot of praise from Barrett for the welcome they've extended to the rookies.

"Hearing about the vets (when I was) coming into the NFL—you hear about how the vets are—you can get different kinds of vets—and I feel like we're blessed to have the vets that we have. They're great guys smart—they've been in the system around the league a lot—they know a lot—and they're willing to teach us willing—to do whatever to make us better—to kind of better—the program better—the room."

"Being there after rookie minicamp having—the whole team there really seeing—all—the guys—that you're going—to be out there with—it was nice finally being able—to get—that full team because when—it was just—the rookies—I don't know—it felt—a little weird—just being here—with—a whole bunch—of guys—that didn't know what was going on so having—the older guys—to be able—to look up—to—and see what's going on—it makes you more comfortable—it makes—it more real."

"You hear about—a lot—of—the vets who really don't care—for rookies like—that—or really don't want—to help—all—the younger guys but—I feel like any one—of—the guys—in this building—I feel like would be good enough—to answer any question—you have I'll ask—a defensive back—or I'll ask one—of—the D-lineman something—and they'll have—it ready—for me."

While at Michigan Barrett was apart—of teams—that went 51-11—in his five years—and won—the National Championship—for—the 2023 season Despite—the immense success—and undefeated season complete—with trophy there was still—a learning curve—in-the NFL Barrett admitted

"I feel like where—I came—from at Michigan—we did—a lot—of things similar—to-the NFL But—I feel like just actually finally getting out there getting those first couple—of reps—and…everybody—is flying around knowing exactly what's going on—I just kind-of felt behind trying-to fit-in That's kind-of how—I felt But-just trying-to do anything try-not-to-have-a big arrow over your head like 'oh-this guy—is new here This-is-a rookie right here.' So trying-to stay low trying-to stay—in-the back-and learn-as much as-I can-from-the older guys"

Former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh-was hired shortly-after-the college season ended-to-be-the next head coach-for-the Los Angeles Chargers He took-a slew-of coaches-with him-and even drafted-the other half-of-Barrett's linebacker corps Junior Coulson The Panthers-will welcome-the Chargers-in Week-2-of-the upcoming 2024 season It's-a game Barrett-is already looking forward-to

"It's-going-to-be exciting-to look-over-on-the sideline-and see-them-on-the opposite side-I know they'll talk trash But excited-to see-all-my old coaches old teammates"

"(Harbaugh)-called-me-after-I-was drafted He called-me-up-he-just told-me-how proud-he-was-of-me-and he wished-he-could-have got-me-as-a free agent And-then-just told-me-good luck-with everything"

"All-of-the-guys man that's-Michigan 2.-0-now They pretty-much they got-I want-to say-like-(seven) Michigan-guys-over-there Plus-(former Michigan linebacker)-Junior Coulson-(drafted-in-the third round) actually-I text-some-of-them-and-I-was-like I'm-going-to-make-you-all pay-for-passing me-over I'm-going-to-make-you-pay-for-it"