Carolina Panthers 2019 season awards

Offensive Rookie of the Year — Dennis Daley, OL

The Panthers had just four rookies that played a snap on offense in 2019, and none played more–or better–than Dennis Daley. Coming out of college, Daley’s most important attribute to NFL teams was his versatility. He played both tackle and guard while at South Carolina, and his upside was enough for the Panthers to take a flyer on him in the sixth round of last year’s draft.

Considering that only one other Panthers rookie played more than 200 offensive snaps, this award should go to Daley on that stat alone. Greg Little, who was taken in the second round, was supposed to be Carolina’s left tackle of the future, but he was injured most of the year. Will Grier was taken in the third round, but spent most of the season behind Kyle Allen on the depth chart, and whenever he did get an opportunity to play, he was in for just 87 plays before getting hurt. Lastly, Jordan Scarlett–a fifth-round running back–played just eight snaps and had only four carries.

Despite being the only real contributing rookie on the offensive side of the ball, Daley actually played fairly well when he was given an opportunity. In fact, in just his second NFL start in Week Six, Daley was named Pro Football Focus’ left tackle of the week. His play fell off some towards the end of the year; however, most of his teammates weren’t much better. The big rookie certainly showed a lot to like in his first year in the league, even if he isn’t the team’s long-term left tackle.