Predicting the Panthers 2016 Starters & Backups

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Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) looks to snap the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated the Saints 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

CENTER

Starter: Ryan Kalil

One of the league’s top centers won’t see his time with Carolina come to an end anytime soon as Ryan Kalil signed another extension with the team to keep him with the club until retirement. Rated as one of the league’s top three run blocking centers in 2015 by PFF, Kalil proved once again that he is the leader along the Panthers offensive line and one of the truly dominant talents at center in the NFL.

Backup: Gino Gradkowski

After letting multiple backup linemen leave to free agency this offseason, Carolina decided to bring in the versatile backup Gino Gradkowski to shore up the interior of the line. After spending three years in Baltimore and starting all 16 games in 2013, Gradkowski bounced between Denver and Atlanta last year. With four years of experience and the versatility to play both center and guard, Gradkowski should be Kalil’s immediate backup and could see time at guard as well.

Next: RIGHT GUARD

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