Here's an item that didn't get much play at minicamp:

   Evan Mathis, who started 15 games last season at right guard for the Panthers last season, finished last camp working behind Jordan Gross at right tackle. It could be the Panthers seeing if Mathis is versatile enough to move outside if needed in a pinch, but a permanent move is not out of the question.

   As of right now, the Panthers are pretty deep at guard and center after moving last year's starting right tackle Jeremy Bridges to right guard. Justin Hartwig is working as the first-team center and former Pro Bowler Mike Wahle is back healthy and will play left guard.

   The depth there is solid. The team also has Geoff Hangartner, who can play both center and guard. He started 15 games last  year at center. And, don't forget the Panthers used a second-round draft pick on center Ryan Kalil this past April. Also, they still have Will Montgomery, a late-round pick in 2006 who started a few games last year at guard. and, guard D'Anthony Batiste is also competing for a roster spot.

   So it makes sense to give Mathis a shot at tackle, where the Panthers are a little low on depth.

   Outside of Gross and Travelle Wharton, who are slated to start at the two tackle spots, the only backup worth mentioning is Rashad Butler, a third-round pick in 2006 who did not play as a rookie. Butler took all the reps at left tackle at minicamp while Wharton rehabbed from a knee injury. Of course, Bridges could always slide out to tackle, where he started 14 games last season, so it's not like last year where Wharton's injury completely devastated the team's offensive line.

   Mathis, a third-round pick in 2005, once had a fiery exchange with former offensive line coach Mike Maser, but Mathis later said it did not affect their relationship. Still, working for a new O-line coach in Dave Magazu certainly won't hurt his chances.

   Mathis is considered the strongest player on the Panthers offensive line.