Carolina Panthers need to address these positions this offseason

Defensive Line – DE, DT

Carolina needs to bolster their production from a defensive front that was outmatched for much of the season. Signing Dontari Poe to fill the void left by Lotulelei in the middle looked good at first but the production was lacking. As a result, Carolina repeatedly gave up long runs through the middle and rarely generated any pressure from the inside.

Outside, Carolina was better but still not consistent at producing pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The potential retirement of Julius Peppers may open a position but if he returns, finding a prospect who can learn under his tutelage for a year would be beneficial.

Carolina has attempted to address these issues with two draft picks, Daeshon Hall and Kendrick Norton, over the past two seasons but neither has panned out. If Peppers decides to leave this could be an area of focus during free agency for a proven end to replace him.