Offensive Tackle is arguably the biggest long-term need of the Carolina Panthers. LT Jordan Gross will be on his way to retirement after 2013 and RT Byron Bell has graded out as the worst RT in the NFL over the past 2 years. This list will hopefully provide Panther fans with a greater knowledge of potential OT prospects that would be a fit in Carolina. Once again, we include players to look for in the 3rd and 7th round in the event Carolina acquires extra picks in a trade.
Dallas Thomas is a versatile Day-2 OL who would start over RT Bell or RG Hangartner.
1st Round – D.J. Fluker, Alabama
I think Lane Johnson is a great 1st round option, but he’s been getting a ton of top ten buzz. D.J. Fluker is the top OT run blocker in the 2013 NFL Draft. He has visited with Carolina and could be a target for them with the 14th pick. More likely, he is a target after a trade down. Fluker is a 6’5, 339 lb. mauler who could become a top RT in the NFL. At worst, he is a dominant RG in a power run-system.
2nd Round – Kyle Long, Oregon
Kyle Long is an interesting second round prospect. He played guard at Oregon but I like his potential as a LT. Long has NFL bloodlines and prototypical LT size at 6’6, 313 lbs. He is a very good athlete and is a solid all-around player grading out positively in our eyes in both run blocking and pass blocking. I believe Long would compete to start at RT in the 2013 season allowing Byron Bell to kick inside to RG. Then, Long can move to LT once Jordan Gross retires.
3rd Round – Dallas Thomas, Tennessee
Dallas Thomas was once viewed as a potential first round pick, but his stock has cooled a bit over the last few months. Thomas is a versatile offensive lineman that has played both guard and tackle for Tennessee. He projects best as starting RT or RG for the Carolina Panthers.
4th Round – Reid Fragel, The Ohio State
If there is one offensive line prospect that could be taken day three and win a training camp battle to become a starter, then it is Reid Fragel. At 6’8, 310 lbs, Fragel has ideal size to be a starting LT in the NFL. Here is to hoping he gets drafted by Carolina and becomes the new Franchise LT.
5th Round – Chris Faulk, LSU
Faulk saw his stock tumble into the third day range after suffering a season ending knee injury before the 2012 season. Faulk will need to lose some weight and is adequate as run blocker and pass blocker. He would probably win the starting RT job over Byron Bell.
6th Round – Vinston Painter, Virginia Tech
I admit, I like Vinston Painter a lot more than most draftniks. I actually see him as an early 4th round pick! Painter has decent size at 6’4, 305 and his athleticism allowed him to excel playing both OG and LT for the Hokies.
7th Round – Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas
Tanner Hawkinson is an experienced OT; he has started for the Jawyhawks since his redshirt freshman year. The 6’5, 300 lb. Hawksinson was recruited as a TE and still retains a high level of athleticism for a late-round OT prospect.