Panthers NFL Draft: Five Offensive Tackle Targets

Five offensive tackles the Carolina Panthers could be targeting for the NFL Draft…

Obviously, the 2016 Carolina Panthers (4-7) season isn’t going according to plan a year removed from playing in the Super Bowl. The team has lost five games decided on last minute field goals and the reigning MVP, quarterback Cam Newton, has struggled after a dominant season a year ago.

However, much of his inconsistency has been due to the revolving door of players sent out to protect him each week. Last year, the offensive line remained consistent throughout the season. Every week, every game the same five individuals marched out and paved the way to one for one of the most prolific offenses in team history. With each of those individuals returning in 2016, many believed the same production was already a given.

Tackles, Mike Remmers and Michael Oher had earned the right to protect the edge even with Remmers disappointing Super Bowl performance. Guards Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner had quitely secured the interior next to the anchor, center Ryan Kalil. But once Oher was removed and replaced by moving Remmers to the opposite side, the slow unraveling began.

Both Kalil and backup center Gino Gradkowski have dealt with injuries and Sunday brought even more transition with Daryl Williams and Norwell exiting. Oher was placed on the season ending injury reserve list prior to the game and after missing eight weeks with a concussion his future status is in question.

With so many questions, especially at offensive tackle, who might the Carolina Panthers be targeting for next season?

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) in action during the game against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1. CAM ROBINSON, Alabama (6’6″ – 330 pounds) Projected Round: 1

*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) reacts as quarterback DeShone Kizer (not shown) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

2. MIKE McGLINCHEY, Notre Dame (6’7″ – 310 pounds) Projected Round: 1-2

*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com

Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Wisconsin offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) blocks Michigan State defensive end Evan Jones (85) during the second quarter of their game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

3. RYAN RAMCZYK, Wisconsin (6’5″ – 314 pounds) Projected Round: 1-2

*Analysis via Rob Rang at CBSsports.com

Oct 3, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles offensive lineman Roderick Johnson (77) lines up during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Florida State defeated Wake Forest 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

4. RODERICK JOHNSON, Florida State (6’6″ – 308 pounds) Projected Round: 2

*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com

Nov 25, 2016; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; The Western Michigan Broncos enter the field before the first half against the Toledo Rockets at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

5. TAYLOR MOTON, Western Michigan (6’5″ – 328 pounds) Projected Round: 2-3

*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com

General Manager Dave Gettleman is known for his love of lineman, but if he would select a tackle in the first-round remains to be seen. In a 2017 NFL Draft that is projected to be shallow on offensive tackle talent, his “best player available” approach for the Carolina Panthers may be in jeopardy with an immediate need along the offensive line.