Will the Carolina Panthers select a center in the 2024 NFL Draft?

[MHS831]

Let me throw something at you folks--another possibility at Center who played RG in college--but he has all the tools--this from a Michigan website

"The sophomore offensive lineman could be a gigantic reason the offensive line woes of last year could turn into a strength. The maize and blue are testing the 6-foot-6 Zinter out at center during the fall camp, and it could pay major dividends when the season begins.

Offensive line coach Sherrone Moore spoke with the media during a Zoom conference about Zinter and the battle going on at center, noting that he could slide into the spot thought to be occupied by Andrew Vastardis.

“Yeah, he’s getting some reps there at center, and V (Vastardis) as well,” said Moore. “We’re really trying to keep them balanced, keep them all fresh, and making sure they understand each position – keep their variation going. Zinter is getting reps there as well as guard. We’re going to keep it rolling.”

Now, because of his injury, Zinter is probably going to be a third round selection--could go sooner.  He is a stud and moves well--perfect for zone blocking schemes.  He may need a few weeks into to the season to get his strength back, but you could develop him as a center during that time.  Smart, athletic, and a dawg.

[strato]

Ha, man.

I thought about the position, practically. If it is for Young then we need the tallest center ever, give him the ball already in throwing position. Add in the contested catch specialist, play with the mentality to throw either side of a specific defender, quickly (and actually learn to do that ), you might have a shot at something fun to watch.

[Bear Hands]

Nourzad, Limmer, Van Pran and Bortoloni could be fits and targeted. Don’t believe we need to force it R2 if JPJ or Barton are off the board.

Would be nice to grab a guy at the spot. There’s a few other swing interior lineman that could grow into the role but wouldn’t be immediate plug and plays. That ends with Bortoloni.

There’s a lot more talent in this class than you usually see that could come in and play pretty quickly.

[Camp Fodder]

21 hours ago, ForJimmy said:

If JPJ falls to 33, he should be the pick to solidify the OL. Grab a WR at 39 and our offense should have a decent foundation. 

[Camp Fodder]

19 hours ago, MHS831 said:

I think they need to, but Canales has already said Corbett (I think he said it) and Mays.  If you step back and look at the big picture, is the upgrade from Corbett to a rookie center worth it, if it is at all?  I literally do not know what Corbett would be like at C--does Canales?

Here is what I have noticed:

Canales mentioned keeping his third/emergency QB on the PS--

He praised Sullivan, Tremble, and Thomas at TE--when you do that across the board, it may be that we are adding a TE.  You do not want to let existing players know that you are before the draft, because if it does not work out, you have let them know you wanted to upgrade them.  I think we add a TE.

Looking at the roster and knowing the strengths of the draft, you KNOW we are drafting a WR, CB, and LB.

LOGIC:  Do u spend $150m at G and let someone who has never played C take that job?   Only if you know that Corbett and Mays are capable of doing the job and protecting the QB.

From our perspective?  You draft a C early. 

I just do not get the idea that we will.

 

But how do we know?  It’s not like they have practiced under Canales

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Camp Fodder said:

But how do we know?  It’s not like they have practiced under Canales

And he needs them as a backup plan and he can only really talk about Panthers and prospects.  He can watch film and talk to people, but I hear ya.