With 12-year veteran center Ryan Kalil retiring, the Carolina Panthers are almost certain to dip into the pool of interior offensive line prospects in this year’s draft. Ideally, they’ll get someone who can play either guard spot behind Trai Turner and Greg Van Roten and also play center if things don’t work out with Tyler Larsen as Kalil’s projected replacement.
Here are five players from the 2019 NFL draft class that may be a good fit for Carolina in the near future.
Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State: 6-foot-3, 300 pounds
The Charlotte-born Bradbury enters the draft as arguably the best interior prospect and for good reason. His quick get-off and exceptional hand usage allowed N.C. State running backs plenty of room to run all season and allowed very little pressure up the middle on quarterback Ryan Finley. That strength flashed again at the Senior Bowl and his size is nothing to sneeze at. Bradbury has already met with the Panthers and there seems to be interest on both sides.
Chris Lindstrom, Boston College: 6-foot-4, 311 pounds
While Bradbury should be at the top of the list, Lindstrom is no slouch himself, and also brings some experience playing at multiple positions at Boston College. Most of his production came from the right guard position but he also put in time at tackle. Lindstrom was asked to pull quite often, allowing him to get into space and attack the second level of the defense. He would help continue a strong tradition of run blocking at a high level in Carolina.
Michael Deiter, Wisconsin: 6-foot-5, 304 pounds
Deiter was a model of consistency and versatility for the Badgers and in the Big Ten. The 2018 All-American started all 54 career games he played in while at Wisconsin. Only Ohio State’s Billy Price started more career games in college, with 55. Deiter split his time almost evenly between three positions (left tackle, left guard and center). Given his 32-inch arms, Deiter’s NFL future will be inside, which helps for someone that’s better in the run game than in pass protection.
Beau Benzschawel, Wisconsin: 6-foot-6, 315 pounds
Deiter isn’t the only Wisconsin offensive lineman that will hear his name called in April. Like Deiter, Benzschawel played and started in a lot of games for the Badgers – 49 to be exact. He began his career at right tackle before moving inside to right guard. He would most likely be a depth piece only for the Panthers line if they decide to pick him.
Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State: 6-foot-4, 310 pounds
Now here is a prospect with a lot of positional background. Jenkins has mostly played center, but also has starts at left tackle, left guard and right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins allowed just six total pressures and zero quarterback hits in 2018. He measured very well at the Senior Bowl with an ideal frame for a pro center plus he’s quick with his hands and won’t get bullied around. Jenkins may be a solid consolation prize later on Day 2 if the Panthers do not pick Bradbury.
