The Panthers took two left tackles in this year’s draft. That’s starting to look like a sharp forward-thinking move, as second-round pick Greg Little has been sidelined for most of the season due to a concussion. The last couple of weeks sixth-rounder Dennis Daley has stepped up at left tackle in a huge way.
Daley was able to contain the league’s sack leader Shaquil Barrett in London on Sunday. Barrett had nine sacks coming into this week but got shut out against the rookie. Now, Pro Football Focus has named Daley to their team of the week – they say he only allowed one QB hit and earned a high run-blocking grade.
“For a sixth-round draft pick making just his second start, it doesn’t get much better than this. Daley was impressive in pass protection, allowing just one hit from 36 pass-rushing snaps, and he really impressed as a run blocker, producing an 86.0 PFF run-blocking grade in the game.”
Daryl Williams was originally slated to start on the blind side to begin the year, but he’s a more natural right tackle and that showed in the team’s two early losses. Little’s injury left the team precariously thin at the position, so Daley’s breakout couldn’t have come at a more important spot.
Hopefully, Little’s health will recover and he’ll rejoin the offensive line rotation soon. If and when he does, the Panthers may turn out better off at OT than they have in a long time.
Daley has also prepared to play three other spots if needed, making him that much more valuable.
