Carolina Panthers training camp: 5 key battles to watch
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers camp battle No. 2: Michael Schofield vs Dennis Daley (OL)
The Carolina Panthers will have a revamped offensive line in 2020. Big changes were made during the offseason with a view to turning around their fortunes. And how this group comes together during training camp will go a long way to determining whether Teddy Bridgewater’s protection will hit the ground running.
The tackle positions look cemented with veteran Russell Okung and the exceptional Taylor Moton. Centre Matt Paradis will get another chance to prove his worth. And it looks like free agent signing John Miller will fill one of the guard positions on the interior.
This leaves Michael Schofield and Dennis Daley fighting it out for the other starting role. And how they catch the eye at camp is going to be critical.
Daley is coming off a rookie year of considerable struggles. The former sixth-round pick was thrown to the wolves with little other options in Carolina last season. And he was constantly on the back foot against pass-rushers at the next level.
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Putting him into the guard position would take some of the pressure off. And Daley does have the size and strength to make a real go of this transition.
Schofield brings more experience. And he has worked with some members of the coaching staff before. He has a previous relationship with Okung during their time together with the Los Angeles Chargers. And he played well enough in 2019 to secure a 63.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This will be a battle to keep a close eye on. And it is one that could go either way.