Free agency continues and the NFL Draft awaits but what is the current state of the Carolina Panthers roster…
Both the Carolina Panthers offense and defense will be under new leadership this season with coordinators Norv Turner and Eric Washington, respectively. While the offensive personnel has endured some change with the release of running back Jonathan Stewart and guard Andrew Norwell, the defense has suffered numerous changes.
Washington inherits a veteran linebacker corps and impressive defensive line but the secondary remains in question. General manager Marty Hurney did a nice job of replacing free agent Star Lotulelei by signing Dontari Poe but Carolina has also lost starters at defensive end, cornerback and safety.
Hurney has added a few guys who will compete and should benefit from the return of Corn Elder but safety likely remains a high priority on the Panthers draft board. As the offseason continues it will be interesting to watch the remainder of the roster develop and how these two new coordinators plan to use their players.
Following is a look at the current state of the Carolina defense leading up the NFL Draft in a few weeks.
Defensive Tackle
Kawann Short, Dontari Poe, Vernon Butler, Kyle Love, Drew Iddings
One of the strongest units in the league should continue to impress even with the absence of Lotulelei. While it would have been nice to keep both he and Short in the middle, the addition of Poe and continued development of Butler should keep this unit performing at a high level.
Washington was previously the Carolina defensive line coach before taking over as coordinator so he knows this personnel group extremely well. Expect Short to maintain his current role in the middle with a combination of Poe, Butler and Love mixing in as the games progress.
Defensive End
Mario Addison, Julius Peppers, Wes Horton, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox Jr., Zach Moore, Efe Obada
Charles Johnson was a veteran presence along the defensive line registering the second most number of sacks in franchise history. While the leader, Peppers, has elected to return there is no denying that Johnson will be missed, even with his limited playing time last season.
When available, Johnson started, allowing Peppers to be fresh for pass rush situations although he ended up playing a lot more than anticipated. In 2018, if Horton, Hall or Cox continue their development then a rotating mix of pass rushers could allow Peppers to do the same.
Washington rotated the personnel to ensure a fresh group of individuals would remain on the field throughout an entire game. The Panthers are likely to continue this strategy for next season.
Linebacker
Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Shaq Thompson, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs, Jared Norris, Richie Brown
The core unit on defense, Kuechly and Davis have orchestrated the on-field execution and defensive play calls for years. While Davis has already announced his plans for retirement following the season and a reduced role this year, Carolina cannot move too far from him while still available.
Both Mayo and Jacobs have shown promise but drafting a linebacker to fill Davis’ position next year with one season under the veteran seems like a good idea. Other roster areas are in higher demand but a mid-round pick with the potential to make a future impact would be a good idea for Hurney this year.
Cornerback
James Bradberry, Kevon Seymour, Captain Munnerlyn, Zack Sanchez, Corn Elder, Cole Luke, LaDarius Gunter, Lorenzo Doss, Ross Cockrell
Bradberry has locked down one starting position but opposite him there is a significant opening. Seymour showed some promise last season, splitting time with Daryl Worley, but has not displayed the capability to be an every week starter regularly, yet.
The failed signing of Bashaud Breeland didn’t help matters but a return of Corn Elder should add some depth and potentially a battle for the vacant starting position. Munnerlyn returns after a rocky finish to last season and it will be interesting to see how Washington uses the veteran nickel corner on defense.
The entire defensive secondary will be an area of focus during the NFL Draft and moving forward through offseason workouts.
Safety
Mike Adams, Da’Norris Searcy, Colin Jones, Demetrious Cox, Dezmen Southward, Damian Parms
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Carolina somewhat surprisingly released captain Kurt Coleman after he revived his career with the Panthers. In order to free up cap space, Hurney elected to part ways with the veteran despite the apparent lack of depth at the position.
Depending on his production, the Searcy signing could be viewed as one of the best this offseason if he produces. However, the Panthers are likely to target a safety early in the draft who can compete for an immediate starting position alongside Adams.
Jones played more than expected last season but remains a good backup and special teams contributor instead of an NFL starter. Under former coach and coordinator Steve Wilks, the Panthers safety position was interchangeable most of the time and it will be interesting to see if Washington and new defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller employ a similar strategy.
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Hurney has done a nice job of adding players who should compete for playing time at almost every position where someone was lost but the continued rebuilding of Carolina’s secondary remains an issue.