Plenty of hog mollies have come and gone along the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line since 2017. But there has been one shining constant.
And that constant is right tackle Taylor Moton, who was named the team’s “secret superstar” by Pro Football Focus as we head into the 2022 campaign. Lead NFL analyst Sam Monson writes that the sixth-year veteran is amongst the game’s best big men, even if he hasn’t gotten the recognition for it.
“Those who follow offensive line play closely know that Moton is one of the best in the league, but to others, he remains a name that doesn’t get enough publicity,” Monson suggests. “Carolina’s offensive line last season was four problem spots and Moton, who still earned an impressive 77.5 overall PFF grade and allowed just one sack despite the chaos around him. With the Panthers doing a lot of good things this offseason, the entire offense may look significantly better in 2022, allowing Moton to get a little more of the credit he deserves.”
Some of those good things include tracking down promising line mates for Moton. He’ll be joined by 2022 sixth overall pick Ikem Ekwonu as well as free-agent signings Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman to make for what should be the franchise’s best starting front in a number of years.
Moton will also be blocking, most likely, for Baker Mayfield—who the Panthers acquired back on July 6. Although Mayfield may not be a superstar himself, he could be the most potent passer the Panthers have rostered since the first go-round of Cam Newton.
We’ll see if all of that results in a better offense and, hopefully, more love for the always reliable Moton.