Taylor Moton is going nowhere, but with the future of Matt Kalil and Daryl Williams uncertain, offensive tackle is likely a spot for the Panthers to look at in the 2019 NFL draft. If that’s the case, there are some excellent young prospects that they may be able to get their hands on in April. Here’s six players who could make a difference in the trenches.
Cody Ford, Oklahoma: 6-foot-4, 337 pounds
Ford is a strong and versatile offensive lineman who has experience on the interior and on the outside, playing left guard and right tackle. He started all 14 games in 2018 at right tackle for the Sooners. There is no question he can play tackle in the NFL and there are some mocks that even have Ford as a top-10 pick. If Ford falls to No. 16, the Panthers should seriously consider making him their first-round pick.
Jonah Williams, Alabama: 6-foot-5, 302 pounds
Williams is another lineman who will face the question whether he’s a NFL guard or if he is a tackle. If he lands in Carolina, he could be either one. If the Panthers want to line him up at left tackle to replace Matt Kalil, he can do that. Or perhaps they’ll look to move Moton back to left tackle and put Williams on the right side, which would also work. They could also slide Williams inside to left guard and let Greg Van Roten and Tyler Larsen battle at center. The point is Williams will provide whatever team drafts him with a whole range of options.
Dalton Risner, Kansas State: 6-foot-5, 309 pounds
Any questions about Risner’s ability and versatility were likely answered at the Senior Bowl, as Risner lined up quite a bit at right tackle, including starting the game at that position. That may have solidified Risner as a first-round pick and a very good fallback option for the Panthers if Ford and Williams are both off the board at No. 16. Risner might still be the best run blocker among the offensive tackles in this class, which could make Christian McCaffrey very happy.
Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia: 6-foot-5, 322 pounds
It’s a shame we didn’t get to see Cajuste at the Senior Bowl, due to an ankle injury. In fact, we haven’t seen Cajuste in action on the field since West Virginia’s regular season finale against TCU, as he and quarterback Will Grier both skipped the bowl game against Syracuse. Cajuste will still be an intriguing prospect to monitor as there are a number of NFL teams who are in need at tackle.
Jawaan Taylor, Florida: 6-foot-5, 328 pounds
Taylor is another underclassman tackle that is making his case to be a first-round pick. Taylor has played both left and right tackle for the Gators. Consistency and reliability are certainly there with Taylor, as he didn’t miss a single game in three years in college, starting all but two games. You definitely have to like his size and experience at left tackle, which might make things easier on Carolina by letting Moton stay on the right side.
Andre Dillard, Washington State: 6-foot-5, 306 pounds
One player who arguably raised his stock the most at the Senior Bowl was Washington State’s Andre Dillard. He’s lived up to the hype, possibly securing a spot as a first-round pick. He’s not as big as some other tackles, but his 34-inch arms count for a lot. Dillard was in the starting lineup for the game in Mobile and more than held his own against a group of very good pass rushers.
