Carolina Panthers training camp: 4 players who need to stand out

Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Greg Little (OT)

Big things were expected of Greg Little when the Carolina Panthers selected the offensive tackle in the second round last year. The former Mississippi star endured a baptism of fire during his time on the field in 2019. And he is a player that will need to make significant improvements in the coming weeks.

The Panthers didn’t feel Little was ready to fill in as a starter next season. This led to the bold move of acquiring veteran left tackle Russell Okung from the Los Angeles Chargers, which sent perennial Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner in the other direction.

This is something that might do Little’s long-term aspirations a significant amount of good. Learning from a Super Bowl winner such as Okung is going to be an invaluable learning tool for the player to call upon next season. And this could possibly set him up to fill a role on the edge of the organization decides to move on from someone that is making $13 million in 2020.

Little will need to stand out during training camp in no uncertain terms. Carolina is projected to have another high-end draft pick in 2021. And if the likes of quarterback duo Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence are off the board by the time they are on the lock, it might force their hand and take someone with elite protection potential at the next level such as Oregon’s Penei Sewell.

This would be nothing short of a disaster for Little, especially if the Panthers manage to agree to a long-term extension with the outstanding Taylor Moton.