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Top Carolina Panthers DE targets perform at NFL Combine

By Brandon Scott

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers defensive end prospect Clelin Ferrell
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Carolina Panthers prospect Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Watch Carolina Panthers potential first-round picks perform at the NFL Combine.

The Carolina Panthers defensive line struggled to generate consistent pressure throughout the 2018 season and a projected shift to more 3-4 fronts next year has put the focus squarely on the defensive end position. Projected by many to be general manager Marty Hurney’s target when Carolina is on the clock in late April, expect team personnel to be closely watching all edge candidates when they take the field on Sunday in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine.

Future Hall of Fame member Julius Peppers retirement leaves Mario Addison as the Panthers prevalent pass rusher, in addition to young prospects Bryan Cox Jr. and Marquis Haynes. Adding a first-round talent who can contribute immediately opposite Addison and within a rotational scheme imparted by Ron Rivera and Eric Washington would be extremely beneficial.

Barring any trades the Panthers own pick No. 16 in the first-round and while a number of players are projected near the top of the draft, landing someone who can instantly assist with the pass rush may require moving up.

A lot depends on how these individuals perform during the NFL Combine this week as players will move up and down team’s draft boards. Keep an eye on the following five prospects when they take the field to see if Carolina needs to make a move or could land who they want with their current pick.

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