This handed Chicago the 1st overall pick and the rights to generational talent Caleb Williams. Long story short, the Panthers have had a bad few seasons so let’s look at some ways they can bounce back. 

Bryce Young

Bryce young obviously didn’t have the best rookie season by his standards, but his career is far from over as we have seen multiple times a QB just need a better situation. For example, Trevor Lawrence seemed to be a huge bust after his rookie season in Jacksonville but then the following seasons he played like a top 10 Quarterback. Thankfully for Young, he’s going to some real help this season as the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson and are likely to take a WR with their 33rd pick in the draft.

The Offensive Line

Young was sacked 65 times last year and with the additions of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, that unit should be much improved. Also in terms of run blocking the Panthers ranked nearly the bottom of the league of run block win rate.

The Division

Carolina by no means are going to be contenders this year, but neither are any of the teams in the division. The buccaneers made the divisional round last year but I do not expect that level of success to continue into next year and as far as the rest of the division, it’s not looking good. Carolina has a real shot to put it all together and potentially make a run at the NFC south title. 

The post Why the Carolina Panthers will Bounce Back in 2024 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

It would be an understatement to say that the Seattle Seahawks haven’t been known for possessing a potent offensive line. The Seahawks often allowed their veteran dual-threat QB, Russell Wilson, to get teed off on over the past few seasons. The outlook for the Seahawks OL in 2022 is still nerve-wracking — as PFF recently slotted the Hawks OL as the dead last OL in the league.

The Seahawks projected OL starters are LT Charles Cross, LG Damien Lewis, C Austin Blythe, RG Gabe Jackson, and RT Abraham Lucas. Cross, who was drafted by the Hawks ninth overall in the 2022 draft, might be deemed as the Seahawks only hope. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared his play to OT Tristan Wirfs. The Seahawks may not have a sexy OL, but they clearly took the proper steps this off-season to begin building their OL with the selection of Cross.

Lewis is also a young gun in some respect – as he was drafted in the third round of 2020. He hasn’t been a superb (57.1 PFF grade in 2021), so 2022 is clearly a make-or-break season for him. The Hawks brought in Bythe to be the new center for them moving forward (and he signed a one-year deal worth $4 million dollars). Unfortunately, he only played in four games last year. He only garnered a 60.0 grade by PFF in 2020. I do believe it will be wise for the Hawks to target a center in the second or third round of the 2023 draft.

The Seahawks current RG and former Raiders guard, Jackson, hasn’t been a stud as of late (a 61.8 grade in 2019, a 63.7 grade in 2020, and a 63.8 grade in 2021) — after having a potent 2018 season that showcased him having a 73.7 grade. Jackson is also 31 years old. The Hawks RT (Abraham Lucas) is also a rookie. He isn’t the most proven pass blocker, but his power and hands can help the Seahawks rushing attack thrive without Chris Carson. Zierlein compared him to Jah Reid.

It may be tough for (I expect) Geno Smith to stay away pass rushers on a consistent basis, but I do believe the Hawks can find often find success on the ground attack. The Seahawks OL will certainly have growing pains in 2022, but I do believe their OT tandem carries a lot of potential.

The post Seattle Seahawks offensive line outlook right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.