All Eyes on Panthers OT Jeff Otah

by Jaxon on Jun 3, 2008 8:50 AM EDT Comment 4 comments

The big news from OTA’s yesterday was Jeff Otah finally hitting the practice field . Here’s what new Panther DE Tyler Brayton had to say about seeing him out there.

"He's a big, strong offensive lineman," said defensive end Tyler Brayton, who faced Otah in a few drills. "You've just got to do your best against him. He's a powerful guy."

That’s what we want to hear. He looks large and solid in the pictures you will see here .

Jordan Gross weighed in as well.

"It's a tough spot for him, I know, coming in," said offensive lineman Jordan Gross. "Sitting and watching is definitely not the same thing as practicing. But I think he did a decent job (Monday), and more than anything it's just good to see he's physically able to play now. The rest will catch up with him."

Just a ‘decent’ job? I’m glad to hear Gross not over-praising the rookie. Let’s place the bar high for him but not unfairly high. He’s going to field a lot of questions over the next year about living up to ‘the high price’ the Panthers paid for him.

I still think drafting Otah as they did was a smart move for a GM and coach on the hot seat. Worst case scenario is the next coach and GM worry about the ‘09 draft. They are essentially getting next years 1^st rounder to use this season. As long as Otah develops into a solid starter at tackle I will be fine with move at any point in the future.

There’s still a lot of speculation about the Panthers starting offensive line. Here’s the going wisdom:

If Otah starts at right tackle, Gross will move from right to left tackle and Travelle Wharton from left tackle to left guard. Ryan Kalil is the new starter at center.

Right guard will be up for grabs, probably among free-agent signees Toniu Fonoti, Keydrick Vincent and Milford Brown.

"If Otah starts at RT"? That has to be a given right? I’m not too hip on putting him at LT right off the bat. What’s not so solid in my view is Wharton at LG. It may be his position to lose but he hasn’t played this spot in a while and who knows, he could get beat out by one of the FA’s who’s bigger and more comfortable at the position.

Overall this line seems to be a huge improvement over 2007. Getting Jeff Otah on the field means it is all starting to come together.

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Otah and everyone else

I continue to get excited as I learn more about our team. Otah can dominate in this league. I don’t have any insider info, but I’ve always been over optimistic. There is no reason he can’t dominate the way Marcus McNeil did in SD as a rookie. Our OL is going to dominate. There are a few things we have to look at, the little things, to understand how we’re going to dominate. First of all, we’re just more talented on the line. Wharton was a pretty solid tackle, and will be even better at guard. If a fast rusher gives Gross an inside move, they’ll run into Wharton. Kalil is better, we have much competition at the guard spot, and Otah is the real deal, too. But let’s take a deeper look. Imagine shedding the Otah block in time for Stewart to put his helmet on your chest. Jake’s arm is stronger and he has more weapons, including a pass catching TE, so he’s going to release the ball quicker. With Stewart and D-Will averaging 5.5 yards a carry each, Jake’s play action will be a gem, especially when some over age OLB is trying to cover our 3rd receiver, Hackett, in the flat. This season is going to be unbelievable. Think about it. We have improved at every single position on the field. We were 7-9 last year, not 1-15. We were only 2 games out of a division title with four QBs, none of whom threw for 1000 yards, a starting RB with 3.5 yards a carry and more fumbles than TDs, and only one receiver who could run, catch and compete. Let’s get it on…that’s all I’m saying.

by usana_gaines on Jun 3, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Otah trade

I think the trade for this guy was an amazing trade. If you think about it we basicall
traded a first for a first. we got an earlier first and most likely the eagles will get a 25th-32nd choice. then we gave up a 2nd and a 4th. So now we had two first rounders this year instead of one this year and one next year and we got a franchise running back what will be a franchise tackle. Do you think we really think we had a better chance of getting a franchise player with a second or fourth round pick or a 28th pick of next years draft. I personally don’t think so. I think this was a great deal for us, one that will send us to the super this year.

by JStew28 on Jun 3, 2008 1:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Of course we won’t really be able to evaluate this trade until the end of the 2008 season. My gut feeling is the #1 next year will be mid-20’s at the lowest, so what does it take to trade a 26-28 pick up to #19? A 2nd and 4th rounder sounds about right but the bonus for us is we get our pay day a year early. I love the trade at this point. I’m sure the first time I see Otah pancake someone in the preseason I’ll love it even more.

Welcome to the blog JStew28. (not the real J-Stew I’m guessing but if you are please say so!) I look forward to hearing from you as the season approaches.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 3, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO but I wish I was.

JStew is my favorite player on the panthers thats why I took the name. It would be awesome if any panther player would speak on the blogs though.
To add on to the Otah pick I think that it was a best pick for the panthers out of just about every tackle that was in the draft. He is one of the biggest tackles that was in the draft and has a mean streak that a good tackle needs. unlike last year Delhomme won’t have to worry about any side of the line so he will have more time to find open receiver. This helps the running game open up. With two first round running backs. Both of who I think have pro bowl talent. This teams offense will be unstoppable. The only thing we need now is get our defense to make more tackles which we made great strides with the pick of dan connor and godfrey. I Can’t wait for the preseason to start.

by JStew28 on Jun 3, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs