The Carolina Panthers depth chart is much different on the offensive line, but what impact can the tackle positions have in 2020?
There has been plenty of changes to the Carolina Panthers depth chart this offseason. The decision-makers within the franchise have worked tirelessly to bring in the right sort of characters that fit new head coach Matt Rhule’s way of thinking.
This is especially evident on the offensive line. Some notable players have been brought into the fold to hopefully improve on a dismal area of the field that played a huge part in them finishing with a 5-11 record in 2019.
The Panthers depth chart at this position has a good mix of youth and experience. Offensive tackle is an area of the field that is going to be crucial in any success that comes the way of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who signed a three-year, $63 million contract in free agency to finally get a second chance of making a starting spot in the NFL his own.
The offensive tackles will also play a pivotal role in All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey’s ability to build on an exceptional 2019 campaign. The former first-round pick likes to run on the outside and having two bookends paving the way will do his chances of another 2,000 all-purpose yard season the world of good.
Things will not be easy for the Panthers in 2020 during the first year of a rebuild. Having a pair of offensive tackles they can rely on is going to ease this transition immensely.
Panthers depth chart: LT1 and RT1
The Carolina Panthers depth chart has been bolstered by the arrival of left tackle Russell Okung. The Pro Bowl was acquired via a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers that sent productive guard Trai Turner in the opposite direction.
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While Okung might be past the peak of his powers. There is still some hope that he can be the veteran presence the Panthers need to guide them through a period of relative uncertainty. The player is saying all the right things following the move. But he is heading into the final year of his contract and it remains to be seen whether his stay in Carolina will be more than just a one-year deal.
Trading Turner for a player the Panthers do not plan to keep around does not seem smart. However, the move would also free up some much-needed funds in 2021 during a free-agency period that Carolina can look to acquire some of the more prominent players available.
Taylor Moton is penned in as the starter at the right tackle and much is expected of the player in 2020. Although he gave away five sacks in 2019, the player did perform well in a struggling offense and he could be set for big improvements with better players surrounding him.
Moton is also in the last year of his deal, which makes both Panthers’ projected starters looking for a new contract at the end of the season. This might work to the team’s advantage as players do tend to put in a little bit more effort in pursuit of some extra dollars.
Panthers depth chart: The backups
While Greg Little might be listed as a reserve on the Carolina Panthers depth chart currently, with an impressive training camp there is a real possibility he can elevate himself into a starting role.
The former second-round pick showed glimpses of promise last season, giving up three sacks from 224 snaps. He was used on a rotational basis in 2019 and if Little can impress the coaching staff during training camp then he might not have to wait for a bigger role.
Learning from an experienced tackle such as Russell Okung is going to do wonders for his overall development. Little is a player that the Panthers think a lot of, and it would be a huge surprise if he did not show progression in Matt Rhule’s offensive system.
Sixth-round selection Dennis Daley struggled mightily in 2019. He looked flustered under pressure and became a target for opposing defenses thanks to his inability to stop pass-rushers.
Daley eventually finished with seven sacks conceded last season from 686 snaps. The player has a point to prove. But there is much work to do in order to improve his hand placement and technique.
Matt Kaskey, Juwann Bushell-Beatty, and Aaron Monteiro are the other offensive tackles currently occupying positions on the Panthers depth chart. But it appears unlikely all three will be on the roster by the time competitive action gets underway.