Panthers draft: Why addressing offensive line early is key

Addressing the offensive line early and perhaps often during the 2021 NFL Draft is absolutely key for the Carolina Panthers later this month.

The Carolina Panthers have some big decisions to make during the 2021 NFL Draft. This got a little easier the moment they traded for quarterback Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. But that does not detract from what a vital series of selections this is for the organization in pursuit of becoming a postseason contender sooner rather than later.

Carolina’s acquisition of Darnold certainly gives them more in the way of options. Whether they were sold on what could fall to them at No. 8 or not is a moot point at this juncture. What’s important is that they provide their new signal-caller with every possible opportunity to make a better go of things in a different environment.

The Panthers have weapons everywhere you look despite losing Curtis Samuel to the Washington Football Team in free agency. However, if Darnold doesn’t get enough time to go through his progressions, it will all be for nothing.

Protection is absolutely key.

And the Panthers need some substantial help in this regard.

Carolina Panthers need to take advantage of a deep OL class.

Despite the signings of Cam Erving and Pat Elflein in free agency, if these two both occupy starting positions once competitive action begins in 2021, Carolina is going to have a real problem. Fortunately, this is projected to be an extremely deep class for offensive linemen and something the Panthers should take full advantage of.

The team managed to place the franchise tag on stud right tackle Taylor Moton, who is among the best in the business at the position. Hopefully, this will result in a long-term commitment before the deadline.

Center Matt Paradis appears to be sticking around after restructuring his deal. But even though the former Boise State star was much better last season, it’s clear he needs help around him to succeed.

John Miller was brought back on a team-friendly deal that might work out better this time around providing the player’s pass protection improves. But the need for a franchise left tackle is glaring after Russell Okung’s trade from the Los Angeles Chargers saw the Super Bowl-winner turn out just seven times in 2020.

There is now a strong possibility Carolina will address this at No. 8. Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater are obvious candidates depending on which one falls into their laps, with the likes of Christian Darrisaw, Teven Jenkins, and Alijah Vera-Tucker possible options if the Panthers decide to trade down in pursuit of more draft capital.

Prospects such as Alex Leatherwood, Liam Eichenberg, Dillon Radunz, Samuel Cosmi, and Jaylen Mayfield might also be available in Round 2 depending on how the draft goes. So the options are vast to bring in reinforcements that can provide a plug-and-play presence Carolina needs in no uncertain terms.

It’s not just on the edge where the Panthers need help. Getting better interior protection is another key component to any successful organization and it’s clear for all to see that this is something head coach Matt Rhule currently does not have at his disposal.

Putting a prospect like Ohio State‘s Wyatt Davis at guard alongside Miller and Paradis, with some potential value to be had further down the pecking order thanks to the depth of quality throughout the draft.

Getting Darnold under center is a nice piece, but there is no guarantee it’s going to work out. However, what the Panthers can do is leave the quarterback with zero in the way of excuses as he aims to finally start living up to his potential.