Relevant info for those concerned with the possibility of losing Norwell

[pantherking15]

Article from 2008 written by Ross Tucker, former offensive lineman and current sports broadcaster:

https://www.si.com/more-sports/2008/04/04/oline-rankings

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Having played all five positions at different points in my career, and starting at least four games at all three interior spots, I am uniquely qualified to assess the difficulties associated with playing these positions. Just to be safe and unbiased, however, I solicited the opinions of several other linemen around the league.

 

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Most teams in the NFL often slide their protection to the quarterback's blind side, which is almost always the left. The center is able to provide inside help for the left guard and the left guard is able to protect the left tackle's inside as the three work in concert to block the two defensive linemen while eyeing their other responsibility, the weak-side linebacker. That often leaves the right guard and right tackle one-on-one. 

 

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The consensus among the linemen with whom I spoke reinforced my belief in the importance of right tackles. The position, in most offenses, receives less aid from fellow linemen than the left tackle. 

 

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Without question the most difficult of the interior line positions, right guards are most likely to be left one-on-one with an elite inside rusher. The predominance of teams to slide their center to the left to protect the quarterback's blind side creates a greater value for the right guard position. Fourteen-year veteran Todd Steussie, currently available on the free agent market, says, "Right guard is definitely harder than left guard." Recently-retired lineman Todd Fordham, a 10-year NFL vet, agreed: "The left guard always has help."

 

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Because the left guard position is generally less difficult than the right guard position, I have been consistently perplexed the last couple of seasons by the amount of money teams are investing in the position.

 

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The greatest reason why left guards are cashing in these days? There are two: 1) The grading system for offensive linemen; and 2) General lack of understanding among some NFL personnel people concerning the difficulty inherent with the different positions.

All of these players are considered upper echelon and likely grade out among the highest linemen on their respective teams. Part of that is because they are good players, but a lot of it has to do with the fact they are much more likely to receive help from the center and thus less likely to create a negative play. The formula is simple: Less one-on-ones against defensive linemen means less chances to give up a sack or pressure. Their consistently high performance given the lower risk at the position tricks many personnel people to assume they are worthy of that money. I disagree. I believe they are all outstanding players but think they would have a tougher time if they played right guard.

 

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That is why the money invested in the offensive line should be given first to the tackles and then to the right guard, since those are the positions that could potentially make the greatest difference between a win and a loss.

TL;DR: Not giving Norwell a huge contract is the financially responsible thing to do. Trai Turner's job is harder because he often has one-on-one matchups against elite interior pass rushers like Fletcher Cox and Aaron Donald. Norwell's and Turner's PFF grades need to be taken with a grain of salt. If the Panthers had to pick between Andrew Norwell and Daryl Williams, RT is a better investment.

Also, Taylor Moton may be the replacement for Norwell.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/taylor-moton?id=2557871

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SOURCES TELL US

 "I had to go back and watch his 2015 tape when he played guard. He was a little rough at tackle this year but that isn't his spot. Big and strong as a guard. He was moving guys from Ohio State around like it was nothing." -- Area scout for NFC team

 

[t96]

Solid stuff, thanks for posting it. Regarding Moton, I think it's clear the coaching staff views him as an OT, whether it be our future LT after we get rid of Kalil and that terrible contract or if they're not going to pay Williams either, I don't know. But it seems unlikely Moton replaces Norwell to me.

[ItsPantone278]

If Norwell walks I don't see why we wouldn't look at Moton at LG.  Snaps are better than no snaps.  You'd have to imagine he would likely be one of the more talented options there.  Good OP.

[ItsPantone278]

1 minute ago, stbugs said:

Guard is loaded in this draft and could very well be BPA at 1.24. I like Hernandez and Daniels who could slide to C after Ryan retires. I'd rather Moton get all reps at LT to replace Kalil. Snaps at LG aren't going to help him become a better tackle.

I don't disagree with considering a p draft pick.  I'm of the belief that time on the field is better than no time especially on offensive or defensive line.  If he bombed though that could be bad, but a second round pick should be ready by now.

[brandon_87]

Solid post, thank you for sharing

[Dex]

Very good post.

[imminent rogaine]

TL;DR:  You're saying we should re-sign Todd Steussie?

[Adb6368]

We need to sign Williams to an extension this summer before people realize his 2017 accolades weren't a fluke and he's actually the real deal. 

[Cyberjag]

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Centers are paid more for their intelligence and experience than they are for the difficulty associated with their physical assignment. Though some athletic centers can create additional value with their ability to pull or effectively block at the second level, the greatest reason centers get paid well is the fear among coaches that their pivot man not be able to readjust the blocking scheme depending on a certain blitz look or audible. Make no mistake about it: A center that cannot make the right decisions at critical junctures could have a huge impact on the outcome of a game.

This is why we won't cut Kalil.

And solid find, worth reading the whole thing.

[The Lobo]

Thanks for the info. I think what’s being overlooked on Norwell is when he pulls on sweeps and such. Him in the open field looking for blockers is a scary sight for the D. It will be missed.

[RumHam]

SPOILER ALERT WE'RE NOT fuging RESIGNING NORWELL

[MHS831]

10 hours ago, thomas96 said:

Solid stuff, thanks for posting it. Regarding Moton, I think it's clear the coaching staff views him as an OT, whether it be our future LT after we get rid of Kalil and that terrible contract or if they're not going to pay Williams either, I don't know. But it seems unlikely Moton replaces Norwell to me.

 

I remember Rivera saying that Norwell, then an undrafted free agent trying to make the team, was not good in 1 on 1 drills, but when put between the LT and the C, was dominant. 

Between the 2 Kalils (One sucks, the other could be played by Larsen) might be a challenge for anyone.

Van Roten--I heard they really like him.  This will give us an opportunity to see how much.