Carolina Panthers Pre-Draft position by position analysis: Defense

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is pressures by Kawann Short #99 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

Defensive tackles under contract (all cap hit information from Spotrac):

Kawann Short, cap hit of $17,000,000

Dontari Poe, cap hit of $5,333,333

Vernon Butler, cap hit of $2,289,958

Kyle Love, cap hit of $1,200,000

Kawaan Short is obviously the entrenched starter at defensive tackle on a monster deal. Former Falcon Dontari Poe was brought on after the loss of Star Lotulelei to the Bills and he should be an upgrade, even on a smaller deal than Buffalo gave Lotulelei.

Vernon Butler, the Panthers first-round pick two drafts back, looks to improve upon a couple of lackluster first seasons and be a bigger part of the rotation, while Kyle Love is a solid contributor as well.

Defensive tackle is possibly the strongest position on the Panthers roster, as far as starters and depth.

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