With starting right guard Austin Corbett expected to miss the early portions of the 2023 season, Chandler Zavala has quickly become the presumed favorite to fill the fifth spot on the Carolina Panthers offensive line. And why not?
The 2023 fourth-round pick was a force North Carolina State University, he already has some chemistry with fellow Wolfpack member Ikem Ekwonu and he quickly endeared himself to the current regime. Zavala could hold the fort down for Corbett or even fall into his natural position on the left side while kicking Brady Christensen over to the right.
But there’s another young hog molly that will challenge for honors—Cade Mays. The 2022 sixth-rounder, via Augusta Stone of Panthers.com, said most of his work during minicamp and organized team activities came at right guard and center.
“I feel more confident,” Mays said. “I feel like I know the playbook better. I’ve been playing the majority (of reps) at right guard and center. I feel comfortable at those spots, and I just feel prepared. Like I come out here, and I feel like I’m ready.”
34 of Mays’ 51 offensive snaps as a rookie came in relief of Corbett, after the veteran right guard tore his ACL in the season finale against the New Orleans Saints. He didn’t do too shabby either, earning himself a 69.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in that very effort.
So if the confidence and comfortability continue to rise through the summer and into his second campaign, Mays could be in for an even longer relief appearance for Corbett and the Panthers in 2023.
