Each week this offseason, we’ll be focusing on one position and how the Panthers may choose to address their needs; whether they’re in the market for an upgrade at starter or just a reliable backup, every player on the 53-man roster is going to be important in 2018.
This is Offensive Line Week.
Ryan Kalil might be willing to take a pay cut in order to return to the Panthers for what he has already stated will be his final season, and while the elder Kalil has struggled with injuries over the past couple of years, when healthy, he is still one of the best centers in the NFL. However, with Tyler Larsen possibly shifting to guard where he looks more suited and Kalil due to retire after 2018, the Panthers could look to add a center to develop behind Kalil in 2018 who can play in case of injury with a view to taking over the starting role in 2019. With that in mind,what does the 2018 draft class have to offer in terms of centers?
The Big Board
Frank Ragnow and Billy Price are the two standout players in this class; while neither are perfect players in their current states, both could be good developmental options for the Panthers on the second day of the draft. Ragnow is probably the better athlete and so possibly the more tempting prospect, with his ability in space being a particular bright spot; both could offer relief in a backup role if Kalil were to miss time in his final season. Daniels has been talked about a lot in the same breath as the first two but while his raw power is excellent, he struggles with his lateral agility and play height at times and could be a significant project for whoever drafts him.
Brian Allen is probably the best option in the later rounds, and could well be somebody the Panthers look to should they fail to add a center by the end of the second day of the draft. Clapp and Quessenberry both other upside, but are again longer development projects. However, with Larsen’s ability to cover for Kalil in case of injury, the Panthers might see them as worth the risk in the later rounds with the knowledge that they won’t be able to contribute immediately. Mason Cole is the biggest unknown of the group due to the significant position change, and given the limited athleticism he showed on tape teams will be hard pushed to convince themselves that he is worth the risk.
In an ideal world, the Panthers would be able to add either Ragnow or Price on the second day of the draft, but if other needs take precedent after free agency, there should still be some interesting options in the later rounds.
