Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers OL
The writing was really on the wall for Pat Elflein once the 2021 season came to a close. Eyebrows were certainly raised when on the first day of free agency a year ago when the Carolina Panthers signed the inconsistent offensive lineman to a three-year, $13.5 million deal, and his play during the campaign did nothing to alleviate the fears.
Splitting his time between left guard and center, Elflein ended the season with a 50.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. which of course is not good at all. Something that caused the Panthers into a substantial makeover across the protection.
After starter Matt Paradis went down with a torn ACL in Week 9, Elflein performed better at the position where he starred during his time at Ohio State, winning the Rimmington Trophy awarded for the best center in college football. However, with improvements needed across the line, Carolina brought in Bradley Bozeman, who had a 73.6 PFF grade in 2021 for comparison.
One thing I’ve always liked about Sam Darnold is that he can get the ball out quickly due to his quick and compact throwing motion.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 14, 2021
Good throw as he’s hit in the pocket. Flick of a wrist and threw it with touch to D.J. Moore.
Also, Pat Elflein (LG)…yuck. pic.twitter.com/ZLd4ID1Mqx
It’s been reported during the opening portion of camp that Bozeman has been taking most of the first team snaps with Elflein occupying a position within the second unit. Although the coaches have preached that it’s an open competition, James Campen will want the team’s free-agent acquisition snapping the football in Week 1.