Carolina Panthers training camp: 4 questions facing the offensive line

Carolina Panthers Question No. 2: Is Taylor Moton an elite tackle?

While there are plenty of doubts regarding other members of the offensive line. The Carolina Panthers have a player who could emerge as an elite tackle in 2020.

Taylor Moton’s game continues to go from strength to strength. He has lived up to his billing so far after Carolina selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. And he is now widely regarding as one of the most promising young protectors in the league.

Consistency is the key component for any tackle at the next level. And this is something Moton has in abundance. His Pro Football Focus grades since entering the NFL are 70.6, 76.6, and 76.2, which is a further indication of the solid traits he brings to the table.

Moton will continue to occupy the right tackle slot next season following the acquisition of Russell Okung. But there is every chance that the player can switch over to the left-hand side and become a prolific blindside protector during his prime seasons.

Whether they will be in Carolina or elsewhere remains to be seen. Moton is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and will make a base salary of just over $1 million in 2020. He has already outplayed this deal by a considerable amount. And if he can make further strides during the upcoming campaign, then the financial reward will be substantial.

Spotrac projects Moton to command an annual salary of $14 million on a four-year, $56.39 million contract when he heads to the bargaining table next spring. If the lineman performs to the level he is capable of, then the Panthers would be wise to give him whatever the player wants.