After the Panthers re-signed right guard John Miller yesterday, four of five offensive line spots have projected starters ready to go for the 2021 season. The last piece to the puzzle is also the most important one: filling the long-standing hole at the left tackle position.
For what it’s worth, Carolina’s new OL Cameron Erving says he feels most comfortable playing that spot.
We're talking to new Panthers OL Cameron Erving. He says he's a versatile offensive lineman who can play multiple spots, but feels most comfortable at LT.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) March 24, 2021
Erving started five games on the blindside for the Cowboys last year after Tyron Smith suffered a season-ending neck injury. He didn’t exactly set Dallas on fire – Erving earned a 58.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for the season and they have him ranked dead last among OL with at least 1,500 offensive snaps since 2018. Not exactly starting left tackle material.
The Panthers also have Greg Little and Dennis Daley under contract, who both have experience at the position. As for last year’s starter, Russell Okung is now a free agent and one of the best options on the market now that LT1 Trent Williams has re-upped with the 49ers.
Re-signing Okung is worth considering if it means they don’t have to ponder starting Erving. That said, picking a top left tackle prospect early in the draft is probably the best way to go.
As for who they will be protecting, nothing has changed as of today. Erving says his understanding is Teddy Bridgewater is the starter.
"As of now, Teddy's our quarterback. That's what I know, that's all I know … I want to make sure he knows that I'll be there for him, whatever capacity that may be." https://t.co/ewL5G2jMjz
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) March 24, 2021
For now.
