Carolina Panthers: All-Time Twenty Year Team

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers guard Travelle Wharton (70) blocks as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) defends during the second quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

20. Left Guard – Travelle Wharton (2004-2011, 2013)

I am not going to separate Gross from Wharton. The two occupied the same line for years. For several of those years they were lined next to each other. It seemed fitting that when one retired, so did the other in the same season.

Wharton, like several Panther linemen, was not purely a guard in his time with the Panthers. There was a time when he was going to be the left tackle while Gross manned the right side. Ultimately though that extra athleticism that he possessed made him a better guard on pulling and screen plays.

Digging up guards is tough. Other Panther guards of note include Frank Garcia, Matt Campbell, and Mike Wahle. One of those guys will end up with the right guard spot although none of them is a right guard by trade. Or perhaps the guy who will ultimately unseat Wharton is already on the Panthers roster now.

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