Panthers depth chart focus: How much can OL improve in 2022?
By Dean Jones
Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT
It cannot have been anything other than frustrating for Taylor Moton last season. When everyone around the stud right tackle was failing, the former second-round pick once again proved why he was worthy of such a big financial commitment from the Carolina Panthers with an outstanding level of consistency overall.
Moton was once again an ever-present on the offensive line, giving up just one sack and conceding five penalties to secure an impressive 77.5 grade from Pro Football Focus. There is nothing flashy about his work, but the Western Michigan product is bordering on elite and there could be further improvements to come now that the player has additional support.
The Panthers did the right thing by keeping Moton around long-term. He is a supreme difference maker and the arrival of Ikem Ekwonu gives Carolina a potential bookend tackle tandem they haven’t had in a long time.
Quietly emerging into a leadership role is another encouraging area of Moton’s influence that grew last season. He is now entering his sixth season in the league and is a core part of the roster, which is a responsibility the player is taking incredibly seriously.
Moton is the definition of a plug-and-play starter that the coaching staff doesn’t have to worry about. Hopefully, this is a trend that can continue long into the future.