O line 2017 - what would you like to see?

[KB_fan]

With the re-signing of Chris Scott today on a one year deal, Joe Person has posted a short article at the Observer, reviewing the Panthers current Oline potential and speculating about what moves remain to be made.   This is the "I'll play optimistic re: Oher's health" scenario.  Obviously things look VERY different if Oher retires or is on IR...

Left tackle

Matt Kalil

Draft choice or free agency acquisition

 

Left guard

Andrew Norwell

Amini Silatolu

 

Center

Ryan Kalil

Gino Gradkowski

Tyler Larsen

 

Right guard

Trai Turner

Chris Scott

 

Right tackle

Michael Oher

Daryl Williams

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article138197883.html#storylink=cpy

 

My questions:

1) Who else would you target at Tackle given that we could realistically be looking at only Kalil & Williams as our potential starting tackles going into the season.

2) Do you think we should / will keep Gradkowski?

3) Do you think we will keep both Scott and Amini?  In the recent past we've liked to keep fewer Oline backups who could cover multiple positions.  Not really sure I see us keeping 3 - 4 backups for Center & Guard alone.  But last year we were so snakebit on the Oline perhaps we'll go heavier on Oline depth this season?

4) For the record, here are all the other Oline bodies currently on the roster not listed in Person's depth chart above.  Any of these you'd like to keep around?

Yankey, David

G

6-6

310

25

Stanford

 

76	Clausell, Blaine	T	6-6	320	25	1	Mississippi State
71	France, Dan	T	6-6	315	25	1	Michigan State
64	Rigsbee, Jordan	T	6-4	315	24	2	California
	Rodgers, Jake	T	6-6	320	25	1	Eastern Washington
63	Slater, Pearce	T	6-7	335	23	1	San Diego State
78	Thompson, Tyrus	T	6-5	330	25	1	Oklahoma

[zacka77ack]

I think its prudent to NOT count on Oher at any position. Daryl Williams is our starting RT, and we're not sure who will be the backup.

[YoungPanthers89]

Certified hog molly 6'9 330

[Swaggasaurus]

I did a mock last night that had Bolles available with our 2nd rounder, I took him and maybe DG would too. Bolles, Kalil, Turner, Norwell, and Kalil. That could do serious damage

[KB_fan]

Actually, another question for discussion.  Person calls his scenario the "Optimistic about Oher" scenario, and in that scenario with a healthy Oher, he slots Kalil at LT and Oher at RT.

If Oher is healthy is there any scenario you keep him at LT and put Kalil at right?

(Note: Sadly I'm with those who assumes Oher is DONE.  Wish it weren't so, but I can't imagine he returns.  Hope I'm wrong.)

[KB_fan]

1 minute ago, Swaggasaurus said:

I did a mock last night that had Bolles available with our 2nd rounder, I took him and maybe DG would too. Bolles, Kalil, Turner, Norwell, and Kalil. That could do serious damage

Bolles seems like the kind of guy we might like.  But given the scarcity of decent tackles in the draft, it wouldn't surprise me to see him go in the 1st round - maybe in the early 20s. 

[hepcat]

Need another tackle or two for sure

[Saca312]

If Oher starts at RT then we've downgraded. Have you seen that RT experiment in the past w/ him?

[The Lobo]

I just want four more Norwells. That look he gets when he pulls on outside run plays...look of death and destruction. In all seriousness, toughness and nastiness. That's what we need in the oline.

[Bronn]

1. I wanted Jordan Mills, but Buffalo brought him back yesterday. I thought Rigsbee looked good last year before his injury, so I think he could get another look. The only other one currently on the roster that interests me is Tyrus Thompson, as he blocked for one of the best RB's in this draft in 2014, Samaje Perine.

2. I think with Larsen's experience, Gino has become expendable. I think he'll give us close to $1,000,000 in space if we release him. If we do, we lose a backup guard in the process. But, if we get a rookie that has flexibility on the line like Pocic or Elflein, then Gradkowski is most likely gone.

3. Both will compete, but I favor Scott. A rookie could beat them both out.

4. See #1. Rigsbee and Thompson are the only ones that really interest me. Yankey would be okay in a pinch, but if you're talking Tackles, I don't know enough about the others to comment.
 

[KB_fan]

3 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

If Oher starts at RT then we've downgraded. Have you seen that RT experiment in the past w/ him?

Yeah, that's what stumps me with the "if Oher is healthy he plays RT" scenarios.   Would Matt Kalil be potentially better at RT?  But the thought of EITHER of them playing RT for the kind of money they're getting is pretty horrifying, really.  Money alone makes me think Oher is done.  I don't think we want to be paying his salary + Matt Kalil's.

[ecu88]

Draft Bolles with our 40 pick

[Bronn]

Smart money, right now at least, says we keep Kalil at LT, Williams at RT, draft an interior lineman for depth and possible upgrade to Norwell, reach an injury settlement with Oher, and bring in another FA T down the road once the dust settles.

I really think Kalil will be the answer at LT, and we're okay with Williams at RT. Right now, focus should be on depth and extending Trai, and competition for the LG spot.

[KB_fan]

3 minutes ago, Bronn said:

2. I think with Larsen's experience, Gino has become expendable. I think he'll give us close to $1,000,000 in space if we release him. If we do, we lose a backup guard in the process. But, if we get a rookie that has flexibility on the line like Pocic or Elflein, then Gradkowski is most likely gone.

I agree with this.  I find it hard to believe we'll keep BOTH Larsen & Gradkowski as backups at C unless Ryan Kalil is not fully recovered.  I'd think we'd want to keep Larsen over Gino for the long-run.