Carolina Panthers, Enough Personnel for a 3-4 Defense?

Defensive Line

The defensive front was long considered a relatively successful group prior to the last season. With Short and Poe lining up in the middle while Wes Horton and Peppers on the edge, the team should have played more effectively, but stalled early and often. This season, the Panthers are as of now to return with only Short and Poe as the leaders of the defensive front. Peppers has since retired, Horton is a free agent, backup tackle Kyle Love is a free agent, and 2016 first-round draft pick Vernon Butler underperformed and could possibly be cut in the offseason. Yet, on the inside, Short and Poe are both great candidates to play nose tackles in a 3-4 defense. Short, who has always thrived in Carolina’s front is a powerful blocker who has the strength, length, and speed to get to quarterbacks. Poe, who is technically listed as a nose tackle has tremendous experience in the position and has had great success with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons in the position. The edges remain an issue however.

Even if the team were to resign Horton, there would be no clear cut partner to complete the tandem needed to be a successful 3-4. 2018 fifth-round pick Marquis Haynes would be a candidate as a end or a outside linebacker, but doesn’t appear to be ready as a featured or contributing defensive end for a new defensive scheme, and Horton doesn’t inspire enough fear in offenses to adequately be fits in for the switch. With switching to a newer concept, you would expect the team to look at more experienced players to lead the way initially.

Possible Defensive Ends: Jarvis Jenkins (31), Ziggy Hood (31), Ezekiel Ansah (30, 4-3 DE) Muhammad Wilkerson (29), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (26), Trey Flowers (26, 4-3 DE)