Carolina Panthers: Analyzing the defense before buying into draft hype
By Alex Duran
Defensive tackles
This category will be the most exciting one to watch this offseason because there is some serious work to be done here. With the injuries, underwhelming stats, and pending release statuses the Panthers can absolutely justify stockpiling some talent early in the draft for this position.
No one’s job is safer than Short’s, so you can count on the first chapter of his comeback story being that of a mentor to the seventh overall pick (unless the panthers trade back to double dip in this category during the early rounds). McCoy made a solid case for a return as well, and with the underwhelming performances of the rest of the current options the Panthers are hard pressed to find a reason to move on.
The last first-round defensive tackle is on his way out, and it’s only fitting that his replacement be a first-rounder. Unlike last time there is a dire need for the Panthers to draft a possible starter. Kuechly’s former mentor will have a field day being in charge of the development of another first-round defensive talent due to bring some passion back to the run game.