5 big observations from practice Day 3 of Panthers training camp

Carolina Panthers still giving Taylor Moton reps at LT

Just who is going to man blindside protection for the Carolina Panthers has been a point of contention throughout the offseason. They didn’t do much to address this key position in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft, leaving them with some unproven players or veterans with questions to answer heading into the new campaign.

However, the Panthers might just have an ace up their sleeve.

As expected, Carolina is also giving Taylor Moton plenty of reps at left tackle during team drills. The right tackle has started at his usual position during early reps but has transitioned to the other side over the first two days to see whether the former second-round pick can become a viable option.

This is a smart move by the Panthers. Moton is unquestionably their best protector by a considerable margin and if he can be as productive on the left as he is on the right, it appears to be a no-brainer.

It’s a fluid situation and Carolina’s coaching staff are going to use plenty of combinations before concluding on their preferred formula on the offensive line.

But make no mistake, this is a decision they have to get right if they want quarterback Sam Darnold to make a better go of things following his trade from the New York Jets.