Panthers believe Zach Banner can be a factor with the right coaching

[Biggdaddi1022]

We know certain teams just suck and can't develop linemen, we actually do pretty well in that area with out coaching staff.  Banner was a 4th round pick last year, just went to a bad team that had no direction. Then ended up with the browns and well you know how that goes. Panthers projected him as a guard due to his lack of mobility. But man he is big dude might.

 

The massive 6-foot-8, 353-pounder was a disappointment as a rookie, getting waived by the Colts after the preseason last September. He latched on with the Browns and spent the season in Cleveland before getting released earlier this week. He played in eight games with the Browns during his rookie campaign.

The former USC standout is an interesting case. His gigantic frame drew the attention of the Panthers and several other teams during the pre-NFL Draft process last spring. Carolina was one of many organizations to meet with Banner last year leading into the draft.

Despite some of his red flags, including lack of mobility, Banner certainly seems like a player worth taking a flyer on in March.

While Banner plays offensive tackle, some have speculated he could fit better as a guard. It will be interesting to see where Carolina plays him going forward, especially once mini camp and OTAs arrive. The Panthers return four starting offensive linemen, but are looking to replace All-Pro left guard Andrew Norwell (signed with Jaguars) and backup Amini Silatolu (resigned). Depth at offensive tackle also isn’t great with Silatolu gone. The Panthers do have 2017 second-round pick Taylor Moton coming back, but Moton could be a candidate to slide over to guard to fill Norwell's slot. Such a move would take away Moton's versatility as a valuable backup. 

Banner struggled as a run-blocker last preseason with Indianapolis, turning in a porous 37.0 run-blocking grade (on a scale of 1-100), which ranked 188 out of 192 tackles. Banner was better as a pass blocker, ranking sixth among all eligible rookie tackles during the preseason. The latter likely gives the Panthers a hope of salvaging something out of Banner going forward.

what yall think?

 

Height:

 

Weight:

360

Age:

24

College:

Southern California

Hometown:

Seattle, WA

Experience:

2

 

 

[Mr. Scot]

I think he's been a victim of the orangutan curse.

[Toker Smurf]

Would rather have Bruce Banner.

[Black&BlueBubba]

Looking for some #Matskomagic with Banner and these other UDFA guards we got.   I love the fact we can develop OL.  Look at Williams at RT. Norwell.  Took another UDFA in Larsen and made him a serviceable C.  I think Matsko alone has provided us the ability to stay competitive by developing these players.  That old dog needs a raise!!!

[dpm0409]

Would be very surprised if he made the team

[countryboi]

how the hell is a dude thats 6'3 350 become a poor run blocker, man you think he would be itching to get his hands on someone. 

[Mr. Scot]

Sometimes I think people put too much stock in physical attributes.

We see a lot of wide receivers and corners, for example, who go from team to team because "they're super fast and if we can just harness that, we'll have a good player".

Except the reason that they keep getting shuttled around is because they're not good players.

Likewise, teams pick up offensive lineman because "wow,  they're huge and imagine what we could do with that" but again, sometimes the reality is they're just not good at football.

Banner? Don't know, but because of the above, I'm skeptical.

[Ace_Aladdin]

3 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Sometimes I think people put too much stock in physical attributes.

We see a lot of wide receivers and corners, for example, who go from team to team because "they're super fast and if we can just harness that, we'll have a good player".

Except the reason that they keep getting shuttled around is because they're not good players.

Likewise, teams pick up offensive lineman because "wow,  they're huge and imagine what we could do with that" but again, sometimes the reality is they're just not good at football.

Banner? Don't know, but because of the above, I'm skeptical.

I think it has more to do with leverage, great LTs who are tall can "bend" in all direction but usually in the down direction  when you got take a poo 

 

[Khyber53]

Colts, Browns. Enough said right there. The Colts couldn't even develop Luck into a better player (he's gotten worse, through injury or scheme each year) and the Browns haven't developed a good player in forever.

Give the guy a good shot with some good coaching. Might be a great rescue story.

[LinvilleGorge]

We’ll see. You definitely can’t teach his size but there’s a reason why there are very few NFL OL who are THAT big. It’s hard to be that big and not be a lumbering oaf and you can’t play OL at the NFL level if you’re a total lumbering oaf. You gotta be able to move because you can’t just maul everyone like you’ve been able to do all your life up until this point.

[Carolina-Chuck18]

Liked him coming out of USC. 

Browns just flat out suck. Cam Erving was looking like a bust for them

[MHS831]

I am not sure who the Colts' OL Coach is now, but they have a history of taking discarded OL and starting them.  However, their OL has been a joke of latte.

Here is what I do not get--OL, especially those not playing in pro-style offenses, are all developmental players when they arrive.  Banner was a 4th rounder--developmental.

Released by 2 teams during the first year?  What gives?

[Woodie]

He was one of the slowest, least twitchy OL I've ever seen when I watched him in last year' senior bowl.  Now, that was at Tackle, so maybe he'll be better at OG.  He also probably needs to lose a good 20-30 pounds.  At best, I don't think he's anything more than a developmental guy.

[MHS831]

19 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

We’ll see. You definitely can’t teach his size but there’s a reason why there are very few NFL OL who are THAT big. It’s hard to be that big and not be a lumbering oaf and you can’t play OL at the NFL level if you’re a total lumbering oaf. You gotta be able to move because you can’t just maul everyone like you’ve been able to do all your life up until this point.

I was thinking before reading this, he needs an agility coach and to drop 30 lbs.  Something he can do on the PS.