CHARLOTTE – In the days leading up to rookie minicamp, head coach Ron Rivera informed offensive tackle Taylor Moton he'd be practicing at two spots – right and left tackle.
"That same day I started working left tackle sets," Moton said.
The second-round pick from Western Michigan played on the right side throughout his college career. But the Panthers want the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder to provide depth at both spots.
"Yes, he's going to have to be ambidextrous," Rivera said. "He's going to be able to help us in terms of that and give that added depth."
Said Moton: "I just know the more I can do, the more valuable I am."
Position flexibility is extremely valuable along the offensive line. Take last year for instance, when right tackle Mike Remmers took over at left tackle for Michael Oher, and when guard Trai Turner moved to right tackle when Daryl Williams went down.
The last time Moton spent any extended time at left tackle was back in high school, but he welcomes the challenge as he begins his rookie season.
"It's a little different, but the more reps I had with it the more comfortable I got," Moton said following the first day of rookie minicamp.
He's in good hands with offensive line coaches John Matsko and Ray Brown, who spent extra time with him on the sled following practice. Matsko has always worked his linemen at multiple positions to create more options (if needed) up front.
It requires extra work and diligence, but that's no problem for Moton.
"I'm going to get right back in the playbook."
