DT Nate Chandler to offensive tackle?

[Captain Obvious]

I wouldn't worry about two inches.

none of my girlfriends ever said that. 

[rayzor]

none of my girlfriends ever said that. 

they were being nice.

[rayzor]

Interesting move for sure, but I think he can pull off and make the roster. Not sure about him taking Bell's spot or anything like that though. 

 

seems to more fit the LT mold, imo.

 

[PantherFeez]

5. Chandler switches sides: Last year, Nate Chandler came up from the practice squad late in the year to help on the defensive line. On Thursday, he was wearing a blue jersey, which is reserved for offense. With the additions to the defensive line, specifically the interior of the line, Chandler had to move to the other side of the ball. Rivera likes him, and Chandler was actually the team's emergency's offensive lineman last season after having played the position for a spell at UCLA.

 

 

per Jonathen Jones' article: http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2013/05/five-impressions-from-panthers-otas.html

 

[countryboi]

I think this kid is being setup to fail. he gets move to a new position to compete with guys that having been playing the position all their life. soon as he doesn't get up to speed as fast as they would like they are going to cut him 

[PantherFeez]

I think this kid is being setup to fail. he gets move to a new position to compete with guys that having been playing the position all their life. soon as he doesn't get up to speed as fast as they would like they are going to cut him 

 

He's more than likely an UT than an NT, and we carried 4 DTs last year (2NT, 2UT). Dwan and KK already fill the 2UT, so if the opportunity to be the 2nd UT isn't there, then how is giving him a chance to make the team "setting him up to fail"?

[rayzor]

I think this kid is being setup to fail. he gets move to a new position to compete with guys that having been playing the position all their life. soon as he doesn't get up to speed as fast as they would like they are going to cut him 

 

i don't buy this at all. he's spent most of his football life playing on the offensive side. if they weren't interested in what he could do, why bother changing positions? they wouldn't.

 

he'd a more natural fit at OT and has a better chance of sticking with the team doing that. they wouldn't have made a change if they didn't think he could do it and he's already done the job in the past.

 

if this is being "set up to fail" then his only other choice, tbh, was to fail outright, which is what would have happened considering who his competition is at DT.

 

he was their emergency back-up anyway. they knew he's capable. that's why they are doing this. to see if he can.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

I think this kid is being setup to fail. he gets move to a new position to compete with guys that having been playing the position all their life. soon as he doesn't get up to speed as fast as they would like they are going to cut him

Our coaching staff would do that instead of outright cutting him and citing the numbers game, which is what will happen to several players over the next few months anyway? Nate could at least take solace in being so special that there was a long con concocted to take him out I guess.

[TheRumGone]

Bottom line: they're trying to find a spot for the guy because he is obviously talented.

[iamhubby1]

Bottom line: they're trying to find a spot for the guy because he is obviously talented.

Kinda makes you wonder if folks read anything posted on here? It was stated that they really like his athleticism. This is an opportunity for him to find a spot on the team.

I doubt he is going to win a starting spot. But if he can grasp the position, he may have a job. Something he wouldn't of had, if he stayed on the Defensive side.

Love these kind of stories. Use your versatility to make yourself indispensable.

[Ace_Aladdin]

i think 6'6 and 290-300 lbs. he's got room for more bulk from what i can tell.

 

He is 6'4"  - 300lbs from panthers.com 

 

He needs to add about 20-30lbs minimum  to play tackle for his size assuming he play RT......could be a good backup and might have agility to be a better against the pass rush.

[CRA]

I think this kid is being setup to fail. he gets move to a new position to compete with guys that having been playing the position all their life. soon as he doesn't get up to speed as fast as they would like they are going to cut him 

they aren't setting him up to fail....they are giving him a shot to play football.  Same thing happened on Hard Knocks a couple seasons ago.  Numbers essentially meant a guy had no shot outside of gambling and see if he could catch on with the other line.

[countryboi]

they aren't setting him up to fail....they are giving him a shot to play football.  Same thing happened on Hard Knocks a couple seasons ago.  Numbers essentially meant a guy had no shot outside of gambling and see if he could catch on with the other line.

 

if the panthers just left it at DT he would continue to get better at a position he has been playing since college and maybe play his way on to another team but now the kid is forced to learn a new position and then hope he can get up to speed well enough to play that position at a professional level. the only way this works out well for him is if the panthers are willing to invest a few seasons in him no matter how bad he is early on.

[Eazy-E]

Yes, this is correct. J.R. Sweezy from NC State played DT all 4 years in college. Never played Offensive Line in his life, but the Seahawks drafted him in the 7th round and moved him to OT. If I'm not mistaken, he actually won the starting job.

I mean it kinda makes sense. If you're good at beating Offensive Lineman, you might be good at not getting beat too.

He was moved to guard. They said he was too stiff to play tackle. He may have been drafted higher if it weren't for his off the field issues. He was one of my college roommates best friends.