National Football League

Williams could help Panthers' OL sooner rather than later

Published May. 8, 2015 8:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Usually it's a quarterback or a player at another skill position that is viewed as a savior-type player. But for the Carolina Panthers, it very well could be offensive tackle Daryl Williams.

Williams may not start from Game 1 as a rookie, but most anticipate he'll be on the field in a starting role before season's end. And because of that, there is the strong hope that he will shore up the right side of the offensive line for the first time in five years.

The offensive line has been so deplorable, especially at the right tackle spot for so long that it's almost difficult to recall when that position wasn't horrid. Mike Remmers came out of nowhere to be a stopgap midway through last season and it's unclear if he will be able to be a solid player on an everyday basis.

Thus, Williams was drafted to eventually take over the spot, if not sooner than later.

In fact, the Panthers liked Williams so much that they traded up 22 spots to select him with the third pick of the fourth round of the NFL draft last Saturday.

"The type of player I am, I'm nasty, I'm a road-grader, I'm technically sound," said Williams, who played at Oklahoma. "So hopefully my assets could help the Panthers out.

"I'm mean when it's lights, camera, action."

As he stated, Williams is a very good run blocker, but needs an ample amount of work on his pass-blocking skill sets.

Even so, Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said Williams will get work at both, right and left tackle, at least early on, to see if he can handle both positions.

"No, we have not gone into detail like that. As far as I know I still have to earn a job," Williams said. "Wherever they put me is wherever I'll play. I'm trying to earn my spot.

"I'm obviously more comfortable at right tackle, but it doesn't matter. I'm going to come in and work for a job. Wherever they want me to go. I'm here just helping my teammates. I'm comfortable at left tackle, but like I said I am more comfortable at right tackle."

The Panthers' brass said they had Williams rated as a second-round draft pick and were absolutely shocked that he was still available in the fourth round. And that's why they traded three draft picks to move up to grab him.

However, they weren't the only ones surprised he was still available. Williams was, too.

"I'm not going to lie, I was devastated," he said. "(Friday with the second and third rounds) was a long day. Hey, they traded up for me (Saturday), someone drafted me, it was the Panthers and I thank them for that. All I need is an opportunity."