CHARLOTTE – For pretty obvious reasons, it isn't ideal to have your starting right tackle serving as your second-string left tackle.
A couple of recent developments have threatened to put Mike Remmers in that position, but the recent development of rookie Daryl Williams could well resolve that situation.
"We've started looking at him at left tackle more," head coach Ron Rivera said of Williams, the Panthers' fourth-round draft choice. "He's done some nice things at right tackle, and then last week he looked good in those one-on-ones (in joint practices versus the Miami Dolphins). That brought on the realization that he's capable of playing up to that level, and that kind of sparked him."
Williams started 36 games at right tackle at Oklahoma while starting just one at left tackle. That start, however, came in an impressive victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to cap the 2013 season.
Williams primarily has been Remmers' backup at right tackle, but there is opportunity on the left side as well. Left tackle Jonathan Martin retired at the beginning of training camp, and possible backups Nate Chandler and Amini Silatolu have been hampered by injuries.
"He's getting it. He understands it," offensive line coach John Matsko said of Williams. "You have to be exact and precise in pass protection in this league. He's really done a fabulous job of improving his footwork and his hand placement."
Williams is still spending most of his time at right tackle, and a recent injury suffered by Ryan Kalil has opened the door for Williams to get comfortable running with the first team. Remmers has taken some snaps at center – another thing that makes it more difficult for him to contribute at left tackle – and Williams has filled in at Remmers' right tackle spot on the first team.
"It's about getting experience playing beside each other," Williams said. "Playing with the twos, I'm used to playing with (right guard) Chris Scott. Now with the ones, I've got to get used to playing with Trai Turner, and they play different.
"It's a matter of getting young guys like me to develop that chemistry with them. It's about them being able to trust me."
