Carolina Panthers: Breaking down options to replace Daryl Williams

Answer is on the roster

The initial thought is that the Carolina Panthers will look to the players on the roster to replace Daryl Williams in the starting lineup. The likely candidate would be second-year player Taylor Moton.

The former Western Michigan lineman was drafted in the second round in last year’s NFL Draft. Entering training camp last year, he was expected to compete with Williams for the starting job, but the veteran ended up keeping the job and playing very well.

After Saturday’s practice, Ron Rivera talked about Taylor Moton and the opportunity he has now.

"“We will keep our fingers crossed,” Rivera said. “In the meantime, Taylor [Moton] is going to have to step up and take advantage of the opportunity to get better.”"

While Moton is going to get the first opportunity, the concern becomes depth at the position or if Moton struggles. The Panthers options after Moton are limited with three other tackles (Blaine Clausell, Quinterrius Eatmon and Norman Price) on the roster with limited experience.

The team will have one other option and that would be Amini Silatolu. The veteran guard, who is competing for the starting left guard position, has previously been considered for playing right tackle.

In 2014, when Nate Chandler went down with a season ending injury, Silatolu was supposed to be the next man up. However, knee injuries of his own kept him from securing the job that eventually went to Mike Remmers.

It would not be a surprise to see him get some reps at the position this training camp.