Panthers: Statistically Finding Andrew Norwell’s Replacement

Amini Silatolu

Ever since he tore his ACL just into his sophomore season, Amini Silatolu just hasn’t been the same. He was named to the All-Rookie team after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2012 draft, but hasn’t been much of anybody since.

Silatolu was cut by both the Carolina Panthers and the Bears before coming back to Carolina last year. He’s been a somewhat-used reserve on the team, and he’s now in the running for the open left guard spot.

Last season, Pro Football Focus gave Silatolu a 40.5 and EA Sports gave him a 68. Since an old rating system was used by the NFL in 2012, I’ve roughly translated his pre-draft grade to a 59. Finally, Silatolu is 29, so he earns a 71 for his age. This all gives Silatolu a final score of 59.63.

My sincere hope is that Silatolu doesn’t earn the job (Sorry, Amini). I don’t want an old placeholder holding down the fort for another season. My hope is for a breath of new, fresh life for the offensive line. I want a long-term solution. We’ll just have to wait and see if that wish comes true.