One of the biggest surprises leading up the 2013 NFL Draft is the Panthers apparent lack of interest in OG prospects. We have noted multiple times via articles, tweets and even on our inaugural broadcast, how terrible the offensive line is.
Starting RG Geoff Hangartner graded out poorly as a run-blocker while starting LG Amini Silatolu was the worst pass-blocker on the roster in 2012. We do expect Silatolu to improve but we do not believe Hangartner is a long-term solution.
Fortunately, there are a number of quality OG prospects the Panthers could target throughout the draft. Here is an OG prospect Carolina should consider in each round:
1st Round – Chance Warmack, Alabama
Chance Warmack is thought to be the top OG prospect in nearly a decade. Warmack was a road grading offensive lineman for Alabama. Run blocking is Warmack’s strength and that makes him the perfect fit at RG for Carolina. The Panthers could target Chance Warmack with the 14th pick if their other top targets are gone, or, they could target him later in the 1st-Round after a trade down.
2nd Round – Larry Warford, Kentucky
Like Chance Warmack, Larry Warford’s strength is run blocking. Warford had very good games against some of the SEC’s top DT’s. In fact, we love the way he contained potential Top-20 pick Sheldon Richardson. At 6’3″, 330 lbs., Warford projects best as a starting RG for Carolina.
3rd Round – Brian Winters, Kent State
We rank Brian Winters as the 4th best OG prospect and think he would be a great fit for the Panthers. Winters has experience all along the OL and is a tough, physical blocker. He has a solid all-around game and could become the starter at RG or RT. At worst, he could become the linchpin utility player that every OL needs.
4th Round – Alvin Bailey, Arkansas
If you drew a picture of a prototypical OG then he would look similar to Alvin Bailey. Bailey was a consistent player throughout the 2012 season despite playing on wone of the worst Arkansas teams in program history. Bailey played RG for the Razorbacks but can play on either side of the OL. If Carolina doesn’t take a guard during the first two days of the draft, then Bailey should be a target on Day 3.
5th Round – Hugh Thornton, Illinois
Hugh Thornton is a well-rounded guard prospect that offers nice versatility in the later rounds. Thornton lined up all over the Illinois OL including left and right tackle as well as guard. At 6’3, 320, Thornton plays with a nasty streak that Ron Rivera loves in his offensive linemen.
6th Round – Jeff Baca, UCLA
Baca is one of Managing Editor C.J. White’s favorite prospects. He is a tough, hard-nosed guard prospect that helped pave the way for RB Johnathan Franklin’s excellent senior season. He is quick and powerful in short space and will make an NFL roster. We see Baca as a Top-10 OG and rank him higher than every other scouting source. We believe he would be a steal for Carolina in the 6th round.
7th Round – Edmond Kugbila – Valdosta State
Edmond Kugbila is an intriguing third day prospect. Kugbila is 6’4″, 317 lbs and has 35 inch arms. His size alone will will intrigue NFL teams. He has experience playing both OT and OG and dominated opposing DL during his time at Valdosta State. It should be noted: the reason Kugbila went to Valdosta State was low SAT scores, he had the talent to start for an FBS level team.