The Facts: Shelton struggled mightily in training camp and exhibitions as a rookie. His foot injury late in preseason prompted the Panthers to put him on injured reserve and miss the season. Another reason was he had trouble mastering the playbook, especially his assignments as a pass blocker. Now, there's hope Shelton's career might be ready for takeoff.

Diehards Line:"We didn't have confidence he was going to do the right thing," RB coach Jim Skipper said of last summer, adding: "He's coming alive. He's having a lot better year." Shelton is grasping the offense, but one of the biggest questions of camp is whether he'll have a role or even a roster spot in a crowded backfield. The Panthers likely will carry five or six backs, and that could put Shelton on the bubble. ... Still, Shelton -- at nearly 250 pounds -- is well suited to goal-line and short-yardage work; he's a prosepct worth watching this summer.