Panthers coach Matt Rhule’s comments clarify left tackle competition
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On Tuesday, the newly-arrived Cameron Erving told reporters that he expects to be the frontrunner for the Panthers’ starting left tackle job. He might be right.
When asked the next day about which lineman would get the initial reps on the blindside when training camp begins, coach Matt Rhule admitted he wasn’t entirely sure just yet. Erving’s name, however, was the first to be mentioned.
“Cam was doing really well when he was playing. He had to do some things to take care of himself, to get himself ready for training camp that we needed to do, we might do that.”
The 6-foot-5, 313-pounder has played every position along the offensive line during his six-year NFL career, having most recently lined up at left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. Erving has also said that he’s most comfortable there.
Dennis Daley was also mentioned as a possibility. The 24-year-old will be entering his third professional campaign with the Panthers, with his latest work coming as a starting left guard in three games last year.
Rhule also made it clear that third-round pick Brady Christensen is not among the contenders at this time.
“We think he’s a right tackle. That certainly doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the ability to play left tackle. Most of us just like length a little bit more on the left side. . . I think he’s a guy that can go on the inside and be an excellent guard. But I’ve been really pleased with his ability to play tackle. When we drafted him we thought ‘Hey, there’s a guy that’s gonna find a place to play.'”
Christensen won’t be replacing Taylor Moton at right tackle barring an injury, so if he’s going to start this year he’ll have to force out one of the veterans at guard.
