4 major improvements made by the Carolina Panthers this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers OL should improve
An area that needed the biggest of makeovers where the Carolina Panthers are concerned this offseason was obviously the offensive line. It was another cataclysmic campaign from the protection aside from Taylor Moton’s ongoing consistency, so it came as no surprise to see this critical positional group become a top priority for the front office.
It all started with the firing of offensive line coach Pat Meyer and the appointment of James Campen, a widely respected leader of men that’s seen it all during his time in the league. The coach is renowned for getting the best out of his players, so this is a tremendous move by the Panthers and one that could bring an instant turnaround in fortunes.
Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett joined in free agency to strengthen the interior. Both players come with proven NFL production and hopefully, this is a trend that can continue in Carolina.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown is Ikem Ekwonu, the top player on Carolina’s board that fell into their laps at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ekwonu grew up a Panthers fan and played close to home at North Carolina State, making him an instant fan favorite. His high-caliber performances in college leave many reasons to be encouraged about his ability to finally become the team’s long-term answer at left tackle, which the team has lacked for almost a decade.
Providing Campen gets this group on the same page early, then their level of performance could be a revelation compared to what the Panthers have churned out in recent memory.