INDIANAPOLIS — As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine unfolds, Dave Canales, now in his third year as a head coach, reflects on his journey from a curious rookie to a seasoned mentor within a league experiencing significant coaching changes. Parallel to Canales’ coaching evolution is quarterback Bryce Young’s continued development in the NFL, a progression that stands out prominently at this year’s combine. Young’s growth, nurtured under Canales’ system, underscores the importance of patience and trust in building a successful young passer’s career.
Breakthrough Season Performance by Bryce Young
During the 2025 season, Bryce Young reached several career milestones, finishing with a 63.6 percent completion rate—the highest in his career. He amassed 3,011 passing yards and recorded 23 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, all contributing to the Carolina Panthers’ first playoff appearance since 2017. This advancement occurred in Young’s third professional year but notably his second year within Canales’ offensive framework, where his confidence and decision-making visibly improved.
Canales emphasized the quarterback’s growing command of the playbook and communication skills:
“Really just watching him own concepts, the feedback is really where it’s starting to become powerful, having conversations,”
he said, highlighting the collaborative approach in refining the game plan to boost Young’s confidence.
Canales elaborated on the evolving dynamic between coach and quarterback:
“With him, we go through our game plan days, our checkpoints, he and I talking on the phone, making sure we have the things that get him excited and that he feels confident in executing and really starting to—the more vocal he gets with what he likes, what he doesn’t like, the closer and closer we get to a real identity of what we’re doing.”
This ongoing dialogue and refinement, despite changes in team personnel, represent a mastery level the Panthers are striving for. Young’s involvement in shaping the offense is seen as a key factor in harnessing its full potential.
Building on the Season’s Momentum and Leadership at the Line
During the offseason reviews, Canales advised Young to deepen his connection to the system and continue to develop his leadership, especially at the line of scrimmage. The coach praised the strides Young had made in calling plays, adjusting protections, and exploiting defenses strategically.
Canales shared the aim to amplify Young’s influence in game dynamics:
“Just continue to pour into our system, our concepts, the ownership of it,”
he said, adding,
“Because there are more opportunities for Bryce to affect the game at the line of scrimmage, and I want to continue to build off of that.”
A highlight of this growing leadership appeared in the wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, when Young executed a 52-yard deep pass to Jalen Coker that set up a critical touchdown. Canales recalled this moment as a demonstration of Young’s advanced study and swift decision-making:
“He saw a particular coverage and got us to an explosive play to Jalen Coker down the field, and it was the study,”
Canales said.
“It was the understanding. It was getting out of the huddle in a timely fashion and being able to seize a moment. I want more moments like that for Bryce.”
Xavier Legette’s Journey and Future Prospects
Wide receiver Xavier Legette has faced an uneven start to his NFL career, with his second season drawing attention for its inconsistencies. Despite missing two games due to a hamstring injury, Legette recorded 35 receptions, 363 yards, and three touchdowns but also struggled with multiple drops and limited involvement in several games.
Though external narratives have raised doubts, Panthers’ management hold faith in his potential. General Manager Dan Morgan expressed strong belief in Legette’s drive:
“Xavier, he’s hungry,”
Morgan stated.
“He’s hungry to go out there and play his best, and not to prove anybody wrong, but to prove himself right.
I know he’s motivated. He’s going to put the work in this offseason like he always does. I’m excited for him. I think he’s definitely taken a beating from an outside perspective, but we have full belief in him, and I’m excited for him and his future.”
Morgan’s endorsement highlights the organization’s support as Legette aims to rebound and make a stronger impact.
Coach Canales echoed this confidence when discussing Legette’s work ethic:
“I say this all the time about Xavier, but his work ethic, when I see guys working hard, that usually works,”
he noted.
“And watching him grind, watching him attack it with everything he has is why I have confidence that Xavier will take another step this year.”
The Legacy of Dom Capers and Staff Transitions
At the entrance of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, towering maple trees planted during the early days of the franchise symbolize a lasting legacy. Coach Dave Canales reflects on this natural monument while honoring Dom Capers, the Panthers’ original head coach who has recently departed.
Capers, who joined the Cleveland Browns as a senior defensive assistant after three seasons back in Charlotte, played a pivotal role in developing the Panthers’ defensive staff, including defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Canales described Capers’ enduring influence:
“A guy who started the Panthers and who has the ability to walk around the parking lot and say, I remember when we planted these trees,”
Canales said.
“And you know, they tower over us now and cover us, which is really symbolic for how he’s covered us as a staff, the development of our defensive staff.”
With Capers’ departure, the coaching staff faces an opportunity to elevate younger defensive coaches into more prominent roles. Canales shared optimism about this transition:
“Coach Dom leaving us creates a lot of opportunity for coaches to step up into new roles,”
he said.
“I don’t want to get into the specifics of what those roles will be, but these are guys that learned from coach Dom, especially with Ejiro, starting with him, the influence he’s had on him and the rest of the coaching staff to be able to build our defense up and these are guys that I really trust and I’m excited about where we’re going.”
Expanding Duties for Mike Bercovici Within the Offensive Staff
This offseason has brought changes to the Panthers’ offensive coaching lineup, including an expanded role for Mike Bercovici as the passing game coordinator. Canales emphasized that this promotion not only acknowledges Bercovici’s dedication but also entrusts him with greater responsibilities.
Reflecting on Bercovici’s role, Canales said:
“Just watching the care that he has for what we’re doing and understanding that giving him the pass game coordinator title comes with responsibility and expanding his horizons.”
Last season, Bercovici managed the critical third-down play calls and contributed to passing strategies. Canales expects him to oversee the pass game more comprehensively in the coming year:
“He took over third down last year and was also involved in some of our pass play things,”
Canales added.
“And the general trajectory is just to get eyes on the whole pass game too.”
Bercovici’s unique relationship with Bryce Young, dating back to 2023 before Canales and others joined the Panthers, has played an important role in streamlining communication and tailoring offensive strategies to Young’s preferences.
Canales highlighted this connection:
“He’s got a unique connection with Bryce, too. He was here before we got here, and they have a really unique relationship, and I believe he understands what Bryce likes, the different things that he might want to see, questions he might have, and it really kind of streamlines the information.”
Providing clarity on Bercovici’s critical role, Canales said,
“So that’s a really critical position for us and a critical role for Mike, and I was excited to give him that promotion.”
Significance of Developments at the 2026 NFL Combine
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has spotlighted transformative growth within the Carolina Panthers organization, particularly emphasizing the remarkable development of Bryce Young as a starting quarterback and leader. Under Dave Canales’ seasoned guidance, Young’s maturation marks a promising future for the team’s offense.
At the same time, emerging talent like Xavier Legette has received renewed confidence from the coaching staff and front office, setting the stage for potential breakout performances in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, strategic coaching shifts following Dom Capers’ departure and the elevation of coaches like Mike Bercovici reflect an organization actively rebuilding and strengthening its staff framework.
These combined factors suggest the Panthers are positioning themselves to capitalize on their progress while navigating offseason changes that could influence their trajectory in the 2026 NFL season and beyond.
