5 interior offensive linemen Panthers could pick in the 2021 draft

Ben Cleveland – Georgia

Ben Cleveland has the sort of characteristics that head coach Matt Rhule loves. The Georgia stud plays the game with ruthless aggression that almost compensated for his lack of mobility for the Bulldogs during his college career, so whether this can have a similar impact once he gets to the NFL remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, Cleveland won’t be found wanting for effort. The Carolina Panthers will know what they’re getting in the prospect, who is an absolute mauler in running downs that needs some work when it comes to pass protection.

This is an area where the Panthers struggled in critical moments last season. So if they are looking for a prospect to provide immediate assistance, then taking a mid-round flier on Cleveland might not be at the forefront of their minds.

With that being said, Cleveland copes well against bull rushes and more physical pass-rushers thanks to his supreme strength and aggressiveness. He also possesses an encouraging technique that could be of some use with a little more refinement.

Cleveland would be a great fit in Carolina’s locker room and isn’t afraid to take the lead when it comes to motivating his teammates. The player might not be a plug-and-play starter, but that’s not to suggest he isn’t capable of this somewhere down the line.