Is This Panthers Day 3 Pick An Offensive Line Fixture?

Carolina Panthers rookie Chandler Zavala had an up-and-down opening campaign. He navigated numerous injuries that ultimately hampered his ability to get meaningful snaps. During his minimal starts, he displayed signs of progress despite leading the team in pressures allowed per game.

Carolina Panthers Rookie Recap: Chandler Zavala

An Injury-Filled Season

After being drafted in the fourth round from North Carolina State, Chandler Zavala immediately began navigating the injury bug. In July, he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for a pectoral injury. Soon after, he injured his hamstring. 

He returned in time to secure the right guard job during training camp. Then, during the Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions, he suffered a scary neck injury which led to him being carted off the field. Fortunately, he was able to return to the team but missed the next four games. 

Soon thereafter, he found himself back on the injured reserve. During the Panthers Week 12 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Zavala suffered a knee injury that put him out for the rest of the season.

All in all, Zavala ended the season with seven starts, only five of which resulted in four full quarters of play. The lack of playing time surely hampered his ability to integrate into the offense, not to mention the delay in joining training camp. Nonetheless, the Panthers got an initial look at his strengths and weaknesses.

Strength: Bodying Defenders in the Run Game

While the Carolina Panthers run game left plenty to be desired, rookie guard Chandler Zavala demonstrated an ability to support a successful rushing offense. Standing next to Ikem Ekwonu certainly helped, but Zavala did a skillful job bodying defenders himself.

Against the Minnesota Vikings, the Panthers were rarely able to successfully run the ball right. Instead, they achieved consistent gains running to the left, behind Zavala and Ekwonu. Zavala did not open up lanes for explosive plays, but he consistently made a lane for a three to four-yard gain.

Importantly, he rarely allowed negative plays in the run game. In essence, he was a neutral player in the run game. That may be enough to keep him involved in the offense, but with the focus on supporting Bryce Young, his pass-blocking skills are crucial to future success. 

Weakness: Pass Blocking Against Spin Moves

Carolina Panthers rookie Chandler Zavala finished the season with the third most pressures allowed on the team. The only players who allowed more pressures played all 17 games, meaning he led the team in pressures allowed per game. 

Most of his pressures allowed came against the Seattle Seahawks, where he allowed 13, per PFF. The next week, he took a major step forward, allowing only four pressures against the Minnesota Vikings. But there was a common theme in his struggles.

Zavala fared well against bull rushes against the Vikings. He even navigated stunts and simulated pressures decently, which was impressive given this was his fourth NFL start.

However, when defenders got creative with their approach, particularly with spin moves, he had no chance. The one sack he allowed during the game came on such a move. It was the first time the defense attempted this approach on Zavala. After that, he faced a spin move once more, allowing another pressure.

Zavala will need to learn how to navigate these more athletic moves as he develops. That said, he played well enough to warrant additional snaps in his second year, especially if the Panthers fail to add more guard depth through free agency and the draft, Zavala will be a key piece moving into 2024.