Carolina Panthers: 2007 NFL Draft do-over (7 rounds)

Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft: Marshal Yanda over Ryan Kalil (No. 59)

Ryan Kalil was an amazing player for the Carolina Panthers. He spent 12 years with the organization and was the leader of the offensive line from a communication standpoint.

The center made five Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in 2013 and 2015. It wasn’t a bad pick by any means. But Marshal Yanda proved to be the better player overall.

Yanda was selected at No. 86 by the Baltimore Ravens. The offensive guard spent all 13 years of his career as part of the franchise. And he was one of the best linemen in the league for the entirety.

The player made seven Pro Bowls and was named to first-team All-Pro in 2014 and 2015. Yanda also helped the Ravens get a Super Bowl ring in 2013. Something that narrowly evaded Kalil during his time with the Panthers.

Both players had terrific careers so there really isn’t a wrong pick. It comes down to who played their position better and Yanda wins that argument. Having an elite guard for more than a decade is huge. And few would deny the Ravens’ legend was a top-three player at the position almost every year he put on a uniform.

Kalil was a great center but this isn’t as important as having a prominent guard. The Panthers picked a good player, but they could have had a great one. It was still a quality selection. And an argument could be made for taking Kalil here regardless.