Panthers depth chart: High hopes for defensive end group in 2020
By Dean Jones
The projected starters
Big things are expected of the Carolina Panthers depth chart at defensive end next season. Much of this expectation will fall on the shoulders of second-year player Brian Burns after a rookie campaign filled with notable highlights.
Burns showed glimpses of his first-round promise on his way to 7.5 sacks in 2019. With another preseason to get stronger, there is real hope that the pass-rusher can make substantial strides and reach the double-digit sack mark next time around.
He will need to be more physical and produce a more accomplished repertoire when it comes to pass-rushing. However, Burns is going to get plenty of opportunities in Phil Snow’s defense and it would be a significant disappointment if he did not make a lasting contribution during his sophomore campaign.
The projected starter on the other side is free-agent signing Stephen Weatherly. The hard-working player signed a two-year, $12 million deal to prise him away from the Minnesota Vikings. And he should also take a step forward with a prominent role on the Panthers depth chart.
Weatherly rose from a late-round pick to an important part of the Vikings’ rotation under Mike Zimmer. He also has plenty of experience starting in the absence of Everson Griffen and played well when called upon.
Burns and Weatherly have the potential to be a prolific tandem that could make a big difference next season. While much will depend on how their young secondary performs in the face of some stern competition, it will be also up to this duo and others to give them as much help as possible with constant pressure.