Dynamic players aplenty in Panthers 53-man roster prediction post-draft

Carolina Panthers OL

• T: Cameron Erving, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Trenton Scott
• G: Pat Elflein, John Miller, Deonte Brown, David Moore
• C: Matt Paradis

Coming into this offseason, new general manager Scott Fitterer made it clear that upgrading the offensive line was a priority. This unit, albeit not by much, is an upgrade from 2020 and more importantly is better than any unit Sam Darnold had in New York.

One of the most important battles in training camp this year will be at left tackle. Cam Erving is penciled in as the starter as of now due to his experience, but he will battle with third-round pick Brady Christensen for the starting job.

Christensen is an older draftee at 24-years-old, but is a polished pass protector who broke PFF’s college football pass blocking record in 2020. Trenton Scott, who played at a decent level overall last year will also look to fight for a starting role.

The franchise tagged Taylor Moton is of course penciled in at right tackle and is the best player on this offensive line by a considerable margin.

At center, Matt Paradis will start again.

Now in a contract year, Paradis regained his form last season as a very good player and will hopefully offer the Panthers another solid year with Darnold. Right guard will most likely be John Miller, another returning player.

Left guard is a bit of a question but should be filled by former Minnesota Viking and Jet Pat Elflein, who has had some good and bad moments in the NFL but is only 26-years-old and offers Carolina versatility across the line.

This year’s sixth round pick Deonte Brown offers a lot of intrigue coming into training camp. Known for his size, the 6-foot-4, 350 pound guard did not allow a single sack in his college career and is a force in the run game.

If his weight can be controlled, Brown might be a steal and can fight immediately for a starting spot on the line. David Moore another huge guard was signed as a UDFA this year and will battle with former second round pick Greg Little and Dennis Daley to round out the depth chart.