Panthers No. 63: Can Matt Kaskey take advantage of OL depth problem?

Could Matt Kaskey make the most out of the relative lack of offensive line depth and secure a surprising place on the 53-man roster of the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

Things are heating up as preparations for the 2020 season gather pace for the Carolina Panthers. Training camps across the NFL will finally resume in a much different climate later this month. And it is vital that this new-look roster comes together quickly in order to avoid further complications down the line.

New head coach Matt Rhule has been restricted in terms of interacting with his players during his first few months in the role. But the Panthers do have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to surprise more than a few people if everything clicks into place right away.

That will be easier said than done. And Carolina’s tough division and daunting schedule are not going to do them any favors. It promises to be a rollercoaster ride for the Panthers’ fanbase, which could ultimately determine just how long becoming a contender once again is going to take.

Continuing our countdown feature ahead of the new season, we now turn our focus onto Carolina’s No. 63. Matt Kaskey arrived with the Panthers during last season as a member of the practice squad. And the offensive lineman has been given a chance to make the roster this time around.

That might change if the decision-makers opt to sacrifice him during the expected trimming of rosters before training camp across the league due to the current climate. But Kaskey has his work cut out to secure a place on the 53-man roster despite the obvious lack of quality options.

Does Matt Kaskey have a shot of making an impression with the Panthers?

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Kaskey was given a one-year deal worth $610,000 if he isn’t moved on before the season. The undrafted product out of Dartmouth does have some likable traits. But the Panthers aren’t in a position to give players that don’t have any sort of experience a shot given what is expected from their offense in 2020.

They are loaded with playmakers that can make things happen on any given down. But giving Teddy Bridgewater adequate enough protection is something that is far from guaranteed with this current group.

Aside from Taylor Moton, who is coming into a contract year, one could make a case for the Panthers’ moving on from each member of their current starting options for differing reasons. The likes of Matt Paradis, John Miller, Michael Schofield, and Russell Okung go into 2020 with plenty of doubt. And Dennis Daley should be kept out of the firing line after a rookie campaign filled with struggles.

There is nothing expected of Kaskey. And it might be a case of slotting him on the practice squad once again to further enhance his development.

The player must have shown something during sessions last year to get an opportunity. But it is essential that the lineman makes the most out of whatever time he has on the field to impress.