I was very pleased to finally see a post on Panthers center Ryan Kalil. Kalil will take center stage (pardon the pun) on the Panthers revamped offensive line this season. Though Kalil started his first two games last season at RG filling in for the suspended Jeremy Bridges he has returned to his more natural position at center.

"It's definitely a lot more comfortable than guard for me," Kalil said. "But I'm having a good time playing a spot that I love to play. Obviously, having that year's experience is a whole lot different coming in the second time around from a confidence aspect and just being able to know what's going on play-wise."

Many projected Kalil as first round talent last season. Like most rookies though he struggled with  the change to guard.

"Yeah, definitely I think at times it was a little overwhelming for me last year," Kalil said. "But coming back at center and feeling comfortable and feeling confident and them feeling confident in me, I'm excited."

I do remember Houston rookie DT Okoye abusing Kalil on a few plays though no one could blame him. The Okoye kid is good and had the advantage of playing his natural position. Don’t worry Panther fans, Kalil is feeling a lot more confident this season.

 

"In some senses, my job is a lot harder inside than it is for the tackles. Then on other plays, it is a lot harder for the tackles than it is for me inside," Kalil said. "It's just a matter of feeling comfortable there and getting used to it."

I’m counting on this guy to anchor our line for several years to come. I can’t wait to get a look at our o-line in training camp.

 On another note, I have to comment on a quote by LG Travelle Wharton.

"The technique is so different," Wharton acknowledged. "I can't sit like a tackle; I'll get bull-rushed right back into the quarterback. Just little things like that, you've got to remember, ‘OK, I've got to retrain myself; I've got to do this and do that.

 Yeah, I have to agree Travelle, getting knocked on your ass by a bull-rush is not what you want to do. This I why I maintain that Wharton does not have a lock on the LG spot. If he gets knocked on his ass a few times the Panthers may try one of the bigger boys they signed, Keydrick Vincent or Milfred Brown. Again, I can’t wait to see how this line looks when they get the pads on.