As the Panthers move towards training camp, the roster is beginning to take shape, both in terms of the starters and the surrounding depth, and while there is still a lot that can and likely will change between now and the end of training camp, it’s time to take a look at each part of the Panthers’ roster, position by position. While there is always the possibility of a dark horse surprise, there is also a lot than can be said with some degree of certainty. With that in mind, over the next couple of weeks we will explore both where each position group stands and where it might go. Check out our previous iterations below:
- Cornerback Clash!
- Wide Receiver Rumble!
- Running Back Ro Sham Beaux!
- Linebacker Battle!
- Quarterback Quandary!
- Tight End Tiff!
- Safety Smackdown!
Offensive tackle has been an area of real uncertainty over the past half-decade for the Panthers following the retirement of Jordan Gross. Since then, Byron Bell, Michael Oher, Mike Remmers and finally Matt Kalil have all started at left tackle, with Nate Chandler, Mike Remmers, Trai Turner and Daryl Williams all making starts on the right side. Of course, a lot of that uncertainty has been out of the control of the Panthers’ coaching staff and front office, but with both starters from last season returning, if nothing else, this season the Panthers will be hoping for some continuity. So what should Panthers fans be watching if there is little expected change from last season?
The Starters
Matt Kalil missed most of training camp last season coming off offseason surgery and struggled with injuries and illness throughout what ended up being quite a disappointing season. With a potential out in his contract at the end of this season, the Panthers will likely want to see a significant step forward from last season if they are going to pay him franchise left tackle money, and that will start with training camp; Kalil did have some good games last season, and he shows all the traits you’d want in a left tackle, he just needs to be more consistently effective and avoid making mental mistakes. In terms of training camp, the aim for Kalil will be to remain healthy and focus on consistency, as a consistently good left tackle would go a long way to improving the Panthers’ chances.
On the far side of the line, Daryl Williams is likely to retain his spot as he enters the final year of his contract. Williams was a decent run blocker last year but had some issues in pass protection, much of which was alleviated by helping him in passing situations. The Panthers cannot afford to keep directing help his way on passing downs, as by doubling his defender with either a tight end or a guard it create a mathematical advantage for the defense elsewhere – the key for Williams will be to show that he can hold his own in this regard. It is hard to imagine that this duo will take a step backwards this season barring injury, but the question will really be about how big of a step forward they will make after having been one of the weakest areas of the team in 2017.
Swingers
Taylor Moton
The Panthers tackles behind the likely starters are all likely to part of the battle for the starting left guard spot following the departure of Andrew Norwell. Taylor Moton, Jeremiah Sirles and Amini Silatolu are all expected to see snaps at both tackle and guard during camp – while at most one of them will win that job, it is likely that at least two of them are on the roster come the start of the season, with Moton an all-but-certain roster member in just his second season. This likely shouldn’t be surprising, as the ability to play multiple offensive line slots is extremely valuable when it comes to offensive line depth. Obviously, the main focus on these players will be how they fare in the battle to win the starting left guard spot, but how effective they are able to be at tackle could well determine whether they are able to hang on to a roster spot come the end of training camp.
The Other Guy
Offensive lineman Blaine Clausell
Blaine Clausell is an out-and-out tackle, and in that regard likely faces something of an uphill battle when it comes to competing for a depth spot on the roster. With that said, Ron Rivera has continued to talk very highly of him and he will likely get a real shot to win a depth spot behind Kalil and Williams on the . For him, training camp will likely be a battle against himself, with a good performance giving him a real shot to make the final roster. If not, he will likely get a look-in when it comes to deciding the practice squad, though here again he will face competition, this time from the number of young interior offensive linemen on the Panthers’ training camp roster.
This is not a position group that will see a huge amount of change in terms of personnel compared to last season, but with last season seeing both tackles struggle at times, it is hopefully a position that will see a change in performance. In terms of the depth positions, the Panthers will be looking at versatility as much as anything, and fans should focus not only on how the various options plays but also where they spend the majority of their snaps as training camp progresses.
Way-Too-Early Roster Prediction
Starters: Matt Kalil and Daryl Williams; with Taylor Moton moving to guard
Depth Player: Jeremiah Sirles, Amini Silatolu
Practice Squad: Blaine Clausell
