4 Carolina Panthers who need to step it up at training camp
By Dean Jones
Michael Schofield – OL
If Michael Schofield is hoping to make a starting spot his own with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Then his performances must improve in no uncertain terms.
The offensive lineman has not seen much time with the first unit thanks to the presence of Dennis Daley. And Matt Rhule confirmed that the second-year player has been taking first-team reps at left guard alongside center Matt Paradis and right guard John Miller.
This has left Schofield on the outside looking in, at least initially. The veteran was a relatively late arrival in free agency after spending the last three seasons as a starter with the Los Angeles Chargers, which seems to further hamper his chances.
His relationship with left tackle Russell Okung from their time together in L.A led many to believe that Schofield was in pole position to start from day one. But the Panthers appear keen to see what Daley can do moving into the interior with the starting unit.
Schofield must make every snap count in the coming weeks. There appears little doubt the player will be part of the 53-man roster. But for a player who gave up just one sack and one penalty from 1,017 snaps with the Chargers in 2019. He is sure to be hoping for much more than a rotational role.