Panthers prospect Billy Price suffers NFL Combine setback
Carolina Panthers first-round prospect Billy Price suffers a setback at the NFL Combine…
Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil has already announced his intention to retire following the upcoming NFL season. Despite now getting to play alongside his brother Matt, for the first time in his life, Kalil missed a majority of this past season with injury and has decided his time in a Panthers uniform is over.
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Kalil was the first center selected and has enjoyed a historic career with Carolina. The five time Pro Bowl nominee and two time, first-team All Pro center has anchored the Panthers offensive line for many seasons protecting franchise quarterback Cam Newton throughout his entire career.
Posed with finding a suitable replacement, general manager Marty Hurney will be tasked with either drafting someone who can immediately contribute or relying on those currently associated with the team for at least one more season. Backup Tyler Larsen earned his position filling in for Kalil during 2016 and played well enough to continue in his role this past year.
One name that has already been tied to the Panthers is Ohio State center Billy Price. Projected to be in the mix for Carolina during the first-round, Price suffered a daunting setback during his debut at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.
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During his physical test of the bench press, where prospects rep 225-pounds as many times as possible, Price suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle ending his workouts for scouts and coaches. Price elected to remain in Indianapolis and address the media but did not participate in any more on-field workouts.
Expected to now miss some time but hopefully return for training camp, Price could see his draft potential fall without completing the full workout for scouts and coaches. While it is doubtful that he would tumble to the Panthers second overall pick, Carolina may be able to remain in their current standing during the first-round and land Price.
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At pick No. 24 overall, Price may be available for the Panthers to grab and land a suitable replacement for Kalil. Hurney will ultimately have to determine if this is the most important area on the roster to address in the first-round.