Carolina Panthers: 4 big takeaways from Matt Rhule’s virtual presser
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers: Takeaway No. 3 – Matt Rhule happy with offensive line options
There have been plenty of changes to the offensive line situation with the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The decision-makers made some bold moves that were in keeping with what the organization undertook throughout most areas of their roster.
This has left plenty of uncertainty surrounding the ability of a revamped group to give quarterback Teddy Bridgewater the protection he needs. But despite these concerns, Matt Rhule appears confident that the competition in camp is going to make this unit better than expected.
"“Schofield to me is a guy that can play tackle, can play guard,” Rhule said. “To me, he’s a guy that’s still young as an offensive lineman. He’s really smart, really tough. Brings a ton of versatility. We see Dennis Daley, a guy that really played well at times last year — his best football is right there in front of him. Another guy that was on the roster last year, and you go back and watch the tape and say he’s got a chance to be a really good player if we can do it right on our end is Chris Reed. And obviously, we signed Johnny (Miller). I feel good about that position. We have some young guys and we have some vets that could all get in there and battle it out.”"
Much will depend on which way the Panthers go with their options. Okung, right tackle Taylor Moton and center Matt Paradis look cemented in their respective spots. But who operates in the guard positions remains to be seen.
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The Panthers made Miller a real priority during free agency. So it would be a surprise if he didn’t earn a starting place on their interior. Schofield’s familiarity with the system and Okung during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers could give him a head start over Daley to secure the other spot.