Last year, the Panthers started Trai Turner and Greg Van Roten at the guard spots when they were healthy. This year, the team will need to find two new starters after some dramatic turnover this offseason. Despite losing Turner, Van Roten and Daryl Williams, coach Matt Rhule says he feels good about this spot.
Here’s what Rhule said about the guard situation when he spoke with the media in a Zoom call yesterday, per the team website.
“I feel good about that position. We have some young guys and we have some vets that could all get in there and battle it out.”
Rhule singled out several guards on the roster, beginning with Michael Schofield, who joins left tackle Russell Okung and offensive line coach Pat Meyer as the former Chargers now leading this group.
“Schofield to me is a guy that can play tackle, can play guard. . . To me, he’s a guy that’s still young as an offensive lineman. He’s really smart, really tough. Brings a ton of versatility.”
Rhule also likes what he has in Dennis Daley, Chris Reed and John Miller.
“We see Dennis Daley, a guy that really played well at times last year — his best football is right there in front of him. . . Another guy that was on the roster last year, and you go back and watch the tape and say he’s got a chance to be a really good player if we can do it right on our end is Chris Reed. And obviously, we signed Johnny (Miller).”
How will it all shake out?
Our best guess is Schofield will wind up starting at left guard and John Miller at right guard, but they could also switch. After that, it’s possible the team sees Daley as the primary backup for both spots. As a rookie, he trained to play every position except center.
We will get a better idea of where everybody is at when training camp begins. Rhule told reporters he expects it to begin around July 28.
