Old North Banter
Fansided

Carolina Panthers: Offensive line drops in Pro Football Focus’ rankings

By Brandon Croce

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Matt Kalil #75, center Tyler Larsen #69, offensive guard Andrew Norwell #68 and teammates take the field before playing against the New York Jets during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Matt Kalil #75, center Tyler Larsen #69, offensive guard Andrew Norwell #68 and teammates take the field before playing against the New York Jets during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Carolina Panthers’ offensive line was recently ranked 21st in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

There was going to undoubtedly be one new starter along the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line with the loss of Andrew Norwell in free agency. However, that loss could have a major impact on this starting group, according to Pro Football Focus. Their recent rankings have the Panthers 21st in the NFL, dropping 11 spots from the end of 2017.

"21. CAROLINA PANTHERSPROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:Left Tackle: Matt Kalil, 50.8 overall gradeLeft Guard: Jeremiah Sirles, 45.2Center: Ryan Kalil, 46.6Right Guard: Trai Turner, 76.7Right Tackle: Daryl Williams, 86.52017 season-end rank: 10th (-11)The loss of Norwell is going to hurt. While the backup plan currently looks like some combination of Jeremiah Sirles (45.2 overall grade in 2017) or Amini Silatolu (40.5), it will be interesting to see if they kick Taylor Moton into guard eventually. He was one of the highest-graded guards in the country as a junior for Western Michigan before switching to tackle as a senior. Moton was also one of PFF’s favorite offensive linemen in last year’s draft yet saw only 70 snaps as a rookie."

The Panthers weak spot a season ago was at left tackle as Matt Kalil struggled to live up to the big contract he received as a free agent. He finished the year as the 55th best tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

If Kalil continues to struggle and if Jeremiah Siles or Amini Silatolu is not able to step up in place of Norwell, this left side of the line could end up being disastrous for this offense, and in particular Cam Newton. As Mike Renner notes, it would not be surprising to see Taylor Moton end up winning the job as he seems to have all the physical tools to be an excellent guard in the NFL.

Luckily for the Panthers as shaky as the left side looks, the right side looks equally as strong. Right tackle Daryl Williams had a breakout year and finished as the third best tackle in the NFL. Alongside Williams, is right guard Trai Turner who is as steady as they come in the NFL over the past few seasons.

Meanwhile at center, Ryan Kalil is entering his final season in the NFL and hopefully he will be able to stay healthy the entire season. This is something he hasn’t been able to do since 2014. However, Tyler Larsen has done a nice job starting at center when he has filled in for Kalil and there is no reason to think this year would be any different.

Next: Graham Gano named as 15th best kicker in NFL history

The Carolina Panthers will enter the season with some questions, particularly on the left side. However, if they are able to find an adequate replacement at left guard they should be able to move up the rankings over the season.

Home/North Carolina Sports