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Predicting the Panthers 2016 Starters & Backups

By Kenan Goyette

May 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Helmets at Carolina Panthers practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Helmets at Carolina Panthers practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 27-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 27-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

(No. 1)

Starter: Kawann Short

One of the deepest positions on the Panthers roster is at defensive tackle where All-Pro second teamer Kawann Short leads the way. With an 11 sack performance in 2015, Short established himself as one of the league’s top defensive tackles and will need to build off of that to secure that designation. While contract negotiations between Short and the Panthers have gotten sticky, don’t expect anything to deter Short from going into 2016 as a dominant force.

Backup: Vernon Butler

The Panthers decided to beef up their defensive front even further in the first round of this year’s draft by selecting Vernon Butler, a versatile, interior pass rusher. While he’ll likely need some time to adjust to NFL linemen, Butler should see plenty of chances to contribute and produce in his first season.

Carolina Panthers
Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) celebrates with defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) after a turnover in the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

(No. 2)

Starter: Star Lotulelei

Carolina’s second starting defensive tackle is a run-stopper in Star Lotulelei. As a draft-mate to Short, Lotulelei is the perfect complement to his teammate’s pass rushing talents. He may be limited in pass rushing abilities, but Lotulelei’s space-eating talent makes him a key cog in the Panthers stout front seven.

Backup: Paul Soliai

With Butler being the pass rusher behind Short, newly acquired Paul Soliai is the run stuffer behind Lotulelei. With nine years of NFL experience, Soliai is the Panthers’ most senior member along the defensive line and has been a productive defender against the run in a similar mold to Lotulelei and should give Carolina another valuable backup option at defensive tackle.

Next: LEFT DEFENSIVE END

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