NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 26, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) comes off the line against Tennessee Titans tackle Michael Oher (72) during the first half at LP Field. The Texans beat the Titans 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers – Michael Oher

Why is he the pick?

Oher is famous for being the subject of the movie The Blind Side. Now, he is being charged with protecting Cam Newton’s blind side, only a few months after the former first-overall pick was given a five-year, $103.8 million contract with $60 million guaranteed. If Oher can’t do his job, there could be a lot of money sitting on the injured reserve list.

The Panthers are trying to bounce back from a 7-8-1 campaign, although they did reach the playoffs and win a playoff game (the Arizona Cardinals were forced to start Ryan Lindley at quarterback, it should not count). Carolina has struggled to produce a good passing game in recent years for one reason or another, and Oher’s play will go a long way toward determining if that trend reverses.

What is at stake?

Carolina’s ability to compete for a Super Bowl. Teams can win plenty of games in the regular season with a suspect offensive line if they have a great quarterback. Newton is talented, but certainly not great. In that vein, Oher and his comrades up front need to get the job done. If the line is bad, the Panthers have a ceiling of nine or 10 wins and a quick playoff exit.

Next: Atlanta Falcons

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