OL FAs that Panthers could target from USA Today

[top dawg]

Tim Weaver and USA Today have come up with some guys that we may think about bringing in, two or three because they would ultimately fill some gaps, and the remainder to add depth and maybe be upgrades if we're lucky.

On an off note, because I don't particularly care for the need to click to navigate their list (but still feel the need to respect their copyrights), I'll list them here with quoted selections, a paraphrase of their thinking, and/or my own thoughts (along with the links).

 

1. G Mike Iupati, 2018 PFF ranking: No. 33 at G

At 31, would Lupati be really anything other than depth or a Band-Aid? My question: Does he have enough in the tank to actually be a marked upgrade for a few years over the young guys that we have?

 

2. G Rodger Saffold, 2018 PFF ranking: No. 7 at G

Apparently Saffold still has plenty left in the tank, and his play is indicative of that fact. He likely will come at a higher price than Lupati, but according to Weaver, "Adding Saffold would provide an upgrade at left guard and could firmly establish Carolina as the conference’s top running team."

 

3. C Matt Paradis, 2018 PFF ranking: No. 2 at C

"Tyler Larsen got some very valuable experience starting at center in 2016 and 2017, when Kalil missed significant time in both seasons due to lingering neck issues. Nevertheless, if the team has a chance to replace Kalil with a proven starter in his prime, they have to take it. Before he went on injured reserve, Paradis was having a fantastic year for an otherwise dismal Denver offensive line. He could be a perfect stop-gap to prevent any significant decline in Kalil’s absence."

 

4. G/C Nick Easton, PFF 2018 ranking: Unranked

Easton was not only unranked by PFF, but something about coming from Minny just leaves a bad taste in my mouth for some reason. Moreover, this "versatility" thing is a little overrated. I don't think that we're going to sign a guy that essentially sucks, unless we're desperate. Offseason FA is not a time for desperation. Could Easton be cheap, developmental depth? Maybe.

 

5. OT Ja’Wuan James, 2018 PFF ranking: No. 33 at OT

Here is a guy Dave Gettleman wanted, and now Marty Hurney could go and get him. This time though, it would likely be specifically for the right side (if you listen to Weaver's insinuation). Of course it really does make some sense, especially if Daryl Williams is not in our plans and the plan is to move Moton to the left. Otherwise, I don't really see it happening as James would essentially become a luxury pick. Matt Kalil is such a fly in the ointment...

 

6. C Mitch Morse, 2018 PFF ranking, No. 12 at C

This would be a most sensible move. It may be even the best feasible and long term move for a team in our position, as Weaver suggested: "Paradis is arguably the best option in what’s a surprisingly solid class of centers. However, Morse is both three years younger and a bit bigger. Adding a powerful blocker like Morse to the middle of the line would set the table at center for several years." Larsen, though a fine backup, isn't the answer if you're serious about protection.

 

7. OT Jake Fisher, PFF 2018 ranking: Unranked

From one first round bust to another? Are you kidding me?

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/20/panthers-7-free-agent-offensive-line-options-2019/

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Icege]

My FA list:

OT: Daryll Williams or Ja'Wuan James

LG: Ramon Foster, James Carpenter, Mike Iupati, Eric Kush, or John Greco

C: Matt Paradis

[SOJA]

O line is an area I would like to see us address in both FA and the draft. The problem with drafting O-lineman now a days is it usually takes a year or two for them to get comfortable in NFL protection schemes, but we desperately need young talent on the line. 

Band-aid fixes and veteran leadership for this year, with young talent in the pipeline learning seems like the best of both worlds to me. 

I really wish the Panthers would address why they believe Moton can't play left tackle, that would immensely help us moving forward. 

 

For the record, I believe we also need two defensive ends this offseason as well- maybe a veteran and a stud rookie. 

[Cpt slay a ho]

Think we need one big singing on both lines and a draft pick dedicate to each line. So in fa sign a g/c and a De/Dt. In the draft T/G and De/Dt

i think williams needs to be brought back but if the price isn’t right just let him walk or explore better options for him

[LinvilleGorge]

Pay tackles, draft guards.

Re-sign Darryl Williams. Consider James as a backup plan if that doesn't work out.

Consider signing Paradis if coming off of injury lowers his price.

Look to add a guard in the mid-rounds. This look to be a strong center class too, so I'd only sign Paradis if the price is right.

[Captain Morgan]

Morse is interesting.

[TheSpecialJuan]

nice list 

[panthers55]

If we sign Williams we should be decent if we can solidify the left guard position. You know Moton is headed left unless they still are trying to salvage Kalil. I think we move on unless Matt can play guard. I think that Larsen is solid and could do the job although an upgrade would be great. I just think that we have a lot of guys that got starting reps due to injury that are going to help us with depth and potential starters if needed. I think we can add pieces but unless the injury bug keeps striking we should be decent moving forward. I am looking forward to see what we do in free agency and the draft  to upgrade. I think we need more help on defense versus offense.

[OneBadCat]

Getting Williams back will be huge. We already have a decent stable of guards at that point. If we get Daryl back healthy that eliminates a lot of problems for us.

[LinvilleGorge]

44 minutes ago, OneBadCat said:

Getting Williams back will be huge. We already have a decent stable of guards at that point. If we get Daryl back healthy that eliminates a lot of problems for us.

What does Williams have to do with our guard situation? IMO, Van Roten is a JAG. He's a weak link as a starter but good depth.

[pantherj]

If we get a FA G I'm going to be in favor of getting rid of Hurney.

[AU-panther]

Seems like a lot of years there are decent vet guards that end up going cheap.

I am not sure I would use big FA dollars or a high draft pick to fill that spot with all of the other needs we have.