Part 5 of a position-by-position Panthers’ training camp preview. Who’s a lock, who will be in a battle and who’s a long shot?
Multiple retirements, led by franchise left tackle Jordan Gross, plus a rash of injuries, combined to make the Panthers’ offensive line a mess in 2014. It was worst during the middle of the season when seven different combinations were forced to start seven straight games. Now Carolina hopes some notable names and a key draft pick can improve stability in front of quarterback Cam Newton.When the Panthers made final cuts last year, undrafted rookies Andrew Norwell and David Foucault remained on the roster. While Norwell turned into a surprisingly solid starter, the hope is whoever emerges from this group will provide much better depth:
| Position | Name | Year | Games/Starts | Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Brian Folkerts | 3 | 26/0 | 25 | 6-4 | 310 |
| C | Ryan Kalil | 9 | 103/100 | 30 | 6-2 | 300 |
| G | Ricky Henry | 3 | 2/0 | 27 | 6-4 | 310 |
| G | Jordan McCray | 1 | 0 | 23 | 6-3 | 320 |
| G | Andrew Norwell | 2 | 10/9 | 23 | 6-6 | 325 |
| G | Chris Scott | 4 | 20/8 | 27 | 6-4 | 340 |
| G | Amini Silatolu | 4 | 25/25 | 26 | 6-4 | 320 |
| G | Trai Turner | 2 | 13/9 | 22 | 6-3 | 320 |
| T | Nate Chandler | 4 | 37/19 | 26 | 6-4 | 315 |
| T | David Foucault | 2 | 5/1 | 26 | 6-8 | 320 |
| T | Jonathan Martin | 4 | 38/32 | 25 | 6-5 | 315 |
| T | Michael Oher | 7 | 91/91 | 29 | 6-4 | 315 |
| T | Mike Remmers | 3 | 6/5 | 26 | 6-5 | 305 |
| T | Martin Wallace | 2 | 1/0 | 25 | 6-6 | 330 |
| T | Daryl Williams | R | 0 | 22 | 6-6 | 335 |
Ryan Kalil, Mike Remmers, Daryl Williams, Norwell, Trai Turner, Michael Oher Kalil’s experience at center is a huge asset to have next to young guards like Norwell and Turner.The battle for right tackle wasn’t much of one during offseason workouts when the Panthers kept their post-draft promise of keeping Remmers with the starters. But Williams, the behemoth fourth-round pick, has the upside and physical tools to pass Remmers with a strong training camp.The Panthers have put a lot of faith in Oher’s reunion with offensive line coach John Matsko. If it works, that’s great. If it doesn’t … uh oh.
Jonathan Martin, Foucault, Amini Silatolu, Nate Chandler, Chris Scott, Brian FolkertsLike Oher, Martin’s familiar name is much less important than his game. If he can play, the Dolphins and 49ers castoff could be a nice backup option at either tackle spots. Same with Chandler: If he can make an argument that injuries held him back last year, last year’s starting right tackle should have a spot.You could say Foucault fits better in the group below, but the Canadian project lived in the weight room this offseason, and coaches will give him a chance to show the hard work has paid off.At guard, this is a big camp for Silatolu, who played just 10 games the past two seasons and lost his starting job to Norwell. The Panthers may cut bait with their 2012 second-round pick if he doesn’t perform in Spartanburg. Meanwhile, Scott’s chances are boosted by his ability to play guard and tackle.Folkerts’ fight for a roster spot could hinge on Remmers, who saw snaps at backup center this spring. If Remmers can prove he’s capable there, that flexibility may make Folkerts expendable.
Martin Wallace, Ricky Henry, Jordan McCrayWallace, who spent some of the spring ahead of Foucault, could land back on the practice squad. That seems to be the ceiling for McCray and Henry as well.
Coming Wednesday: Defensive line
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