The Carolina Panthers need to upgrade along the offensive line, if not for the sake of better team play then at least for the sake of quarterback Cam Newton's long-term health.
The Panthers ranked 20th in sacks allowed (42) last season and Newton took a total of 67 QB hits. That's too much wear and tear for a quarterback who struggled through ankle surgery, a broken rib and a back injury following a car accident last season. Granted, Newton's mobile style is partly to blame. But Carolina needs to better protect Newton overall because they are about to commit to him long-term as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. You can't have your franchise quarterback getting banged up every week.
That is why ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the team to select Miami offensive tackle Ereck Flowers in his recent Mock Draft 4.0.
"The Panthers' biggest need is at offensive tackle," McShay wrote. "I think Flowers projects best at right tackle, which isn't a terrible fit for Carolina because free-agent signing Michael Oher hopefully can handle the left tackle spot in 2015. Flowers isn't an elite athlete, which is why he fits better on the right side, but he has a massive frame with good quickness for his size and excellent upper-body power. Wide receiver and cornerback are two other positions the Panthers could address here."
Newton still has his detractors within Carolina's organization who are wary of spending big-time money on him. But when healthy, he is a dynamic play maker whose physical skills are virtually unrivaled. Providing him with better blocking upfront will help him continue to develop as a pocket passer and not force him to scramble and take unnecessary hits as often.
Flowers may not be a flashy pick, but he fills a need and will immediately help Newton.
