NFL analyst sees dominant college OT being best fit for Panthers

Carolina Panthers’ rookie quarterback Bryce Young had a rough introduction to the NFL in his first year after being selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young finished his rookie campaign with just two wins, a completion percentage just under 60%, only one more touchdown than interception, and took 62 sacks on the season. A lack of weapons around him contributed to the struggles, as did a porous offensive line.

The Panthers worked in free agency to address the concerns at their skill positions. Diontae Johnson was brought in from the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency to shore up the wide receiver spot, and both Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks were drafted this year to help round out the offense. Now, according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, it’s time for the Panthers to address the offensive line.

In his “Way too early” look at best team fits for the 2025 NFL Draft, Sobleski has paired the Panthers up with LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell. The Panthers just took Ikem Ekwonu in the top 10 two years ago, but he’s been somewhat of a disappointment at the position. Sobleski has the Panthers upgrading at left tackle with Campbell, and ultimately pushing Ekwonu inside to guard, where his abilities as a run blocker can be put to better use.

While some might see going to the well at offensive tackle again as a misallocation of draft resources, it’s absolutely imperative that the Panthers get the situation along the offensive line settled. Young isn’t going to survive long in this league if he’s taking 60+ sacks every season. He already comes into the league with durability questions due to his size – or lack thereof – the team needs to mitigate that as much as they can.

The temptation will be there for the team to bolster their defense, either along the defensive line with the likes of edge rusher James Pierce, Jr., or defensive lineman Mason Graham, or to pair Jaycee Horn with another corner like Will Johnson, as Sobleski mentions. But protecting Young needs to be the Panthers’ top priority now that they’ve addressed the tools around him.