On paper, the Carolina Panthers have one of the most improved offensive lines in the NFL this year. With Greg Little and Matt Paradis slated to join the starting lineup, the unit appears to be mostly set. But there is one position that looks to be up for grabs: left guard.
Here are some of the players who will compete for the spot once training camp begins next week.
Daryl Williams
Williams has played right tackle his entire career up to this point, so while it would be a curveball, it might might actually make a lot of sense. Third-year tackle Taylor Moton is likely entrenched at right tackle and rookie Greg Little looks poised to begin his career at left tackle. That would leave Williams as the odd man out at offensive tackle. He could still serve as swing tackle, but he’s making too much money not to start. His skill set and blocking ability would serve him well at left guard.
Greg Van Roten
Other options are getting more attention, but let’s not forget the player who actually started at the position for the Panthers in 2018. He also happened to be the only player to play every single offensive snap last year: Greg Van Roten. He may not be a household name and he may not be the strongest player, but Van Roten held serve as a run blocker and did what he needed to do to keep the offense afloat. At the very least, Van ROten deserves a legitimate chance to keep his spot.
Taylor Hearn
Hearn was an undrafted free agent signing out of Clemson in 2018 and was an early candidate to start at left guard during his rookie season. Eventually, he became one of the top reserves for the offensive line during the year and expects to do the same in 2019. Hearn did not help his chances by getting into some trouble this offseason.
Tyler Larsen
Larsen was a serviceable substitute while Ryan Kalil dealt with neck injuries in 2016-2017. Now with Matt Paradis at center, Larsen could focus on left guard, as well as continuing to be second in line at center. He won’t be the projected favorite for the position but expect him to get a few reps as the team experiments with different combinations and lineups.
