Panthers No. 68: Will OL Tyler Martz have enough time to shine?

Will free-agent signing Tyler Martz have enough time during training camp to earn a backup role with the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

It is sure to be one of the more intriguing seasons in recent memory upcoming for the Carolina Panthers. Big changes have been made with a view to turning around their fortunes. And the new coaching staff will not have long to implement their methods on the field during training camp in the lead up to their week one clash against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Although a number of experienced veterans and team legends have departed the Carolina Panthers this offseason. They do still have some exciting young players at their disposal. Much will depend on how quickly the roster comes together. But the organization could be one of the NFL’s surprise packages if their big players step up early.

New head coach Matt Rhule has not had the ideal start to his time in Carolina, which is down in no small part to the current climate. But he has received glowing references from roster members for his support and guidance during a difficult time. And this should stand them in good stead going forward.

Continuing our countdown feature ahead of the new campaign, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 68. Tyler Martz has doesn’t have a great deal of experience under his belt in a starting role. But the Panthers saw enough potential in him to at least give him a chance to earn a spot on their 53-man roster during training camp.

The offensive lineman went undrafted out of Wisconsin in 2016 before spells at the LA Chargers and Tennessee Titans. Martz didn’t end up on an NFL team last season. And he has plenty of work to do if the player wants to buck this trend in the coming weeks.

Could Tyler Martz become a valuable backup with the Carolina Panthers?

The offensive line is a real problem area for the Carolina Panthers heading into the season. Their offense overall is absolutely stacked with players who can make things happen. So it is essential that this new-look group provides quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the necessary protection to get the ball in their hands.

Martz projects to be a backup at best if he impresses during camp. The Panthers will like the versatility he brings to the table, with the player able to fill in the void at either tackle or guard if needs be.

Playing multiple positions is something that Carolina’s new regime has sought prominently during the free agency period and the NFL Draft. But in terms of on-field performance, there is not a lot to go off from Martz’s perspective.

The lineman did see 98 snaps with the Chargers in 2018, giving up zero penalties and one sack during this time. This earned Martz a 59.6 grade from Pro Football Focus but failed to earn him a longer stay with the organization.

One could argue that this is Martz’s last real chance of making a roster. He is a big body at 6-foot-7 and has a nastiness to his blocks that is going to go down well with the Panthers’ coaching staff.

Whether this is going to come with a more prolonged stay with the organization remains to be seen. And there is even the chance that Carolina decides to cut the player as the NFL looks to trim down rosters for camp.