What exciting traits could offensive lineman Austin Corbett bring to the Carolina Panthers after reportedly agreeing to join the team?
The Carolina Panthers solidified the right side of their offensive line interior with the reported signing of Austin Corbett from the Los Angeles Rams, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. This was the first major splash made by the organization within a key position of need, which should do whoever is under center the world of good in 2022.
Corbett was an ever-present for the Rams last season, which ended with a memorable Super Bowl triumph. He represents a significant upgrade on anything Carolina churned out at the position in 2021 this is a solid start from a front office with some enormous pressure on their shoulders.
Whether it’s Deshaun Watson benefitting from Corbett’s presence has yet to be determined. The Panthers met with the Houston Texans signal-caller on Monday evening, which could make all the difference in the pursuit of successfully bringing the signal-caller on board.
Signing Corbett will help their cause. Here are three exciting traits that the former second-round pick will bring to Carolina next season.
Exciting Trait No. 1
Austin Corbett bring a winning mentality to the Carolina Panthers
There’s a lot to be said for momentum in the NFL. Austin Corbett has plenty of that after contributing significantly to the Los Angeles Rams’ incredible playoff run that eventually concluded with lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy on home soil.
This is something that can help the Carolina Panthers an untold amount. A winning mentality was sorely lacking across the offensive line in 2021 and Corbett can come in and immediately shift the landscape when it comes to preparation and remaining focused with the same goals in mind.
To say this is a welcome change would be something of an understatement. And the right-hand side could be formidable if Taylor Moton remains ultra-consistent with better stability alongside him.
Austin Corbett brings discipline to the Carolina Panthers
The “DBO” sign that featured prominently throughout training camp became an ongoing joke among Carolina Panthers fans. Much of this had to do with the fact discipline at the line of scrimmage became a constant source of frustration during the campaign.
A distinct lack of accountability from the likes of Cam Erving, Dennis Daley, and John Miller only made things worse. Austin Corbett could be a tremendous bit of business for the Panthers with a smooth transition and one thing the coaching staff won’t have to worry about is penalties where the Nevada product is concerned.
Corbett gave up just two infringements from 1,081 snaps in 2021. Couple this with some eye-catching capabilities in run support or in pass protection, and Carolina should feel really good about this decision.
It doesn’t come as a shock to see the Panthers address the offensive line early in the legal tampering process. Corbett went somewhat under the radar, but that should not detract from what a standout performer he can be for a team in desperate need of assistance in this critical area of play.
This added discipline should also make others around him better. Another positive element that shouldn’t be overlooked regarding this signing.
Austin Corbett brings consistency to the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are crying out for consistency on the offensive line. A ragtag group of underperforming veterans and mid-round draft picks failed to meet expectations last time around and if the team wants to stand any chance of securing the services of Deshaun Watson, they have to put the right pieces in place to convince the Clemson product to waive his no-trade clause.
Although Austin Corbett doesn’t jump off the board when examining the film, he does all the little things really well. There are some slight concerns in pass protection at times, but the interior lineman conceded just three sacks last season en route to a creditable 68.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This reliability to remain healthy and consistent production on the field will help the Panthers. But much will depend on what they decide to do on the other side of the line considering those in power might not have a draft pick until Round 4 if the Watson trade goes through.
It’s hard to envisage a situation where Corbett falls flat on his face. This signing also signals the end for John Miller, who’ll be remembered more for his “sacks happen” quote than anything he did between the white lines.
Much more will be needed, obviously. But the Panthers got a good one in Corbett.