Carolina Panthers: Analyzing the 8 NFC South All-Decade picks

Carolina Panthers NFC South All-Decade pick: Charles Johnson (DE)

When one considers the most ferocious pass-rushers that have ever player for the Carolina Panthers. It is hard not to put Charles Johnson high on the shortlist.

The defensive end was named to the NFC South All-Decade team by ESPN after a standout career with the franchise. Johnson was an absolute nightmare to cover one-on-one and his supreme energy was something that went down extremely well with the Panthers’ fanbase.

Johnson played his entire career in Carolina and ended it with 67.5 sacks, 323 combined tackles, 228 solo tackles, 75 tackles for loss, 117 quarterback hits, 25 pass deflections, and 17 forced fumbles. This was outstanding production from a player that came to the organization as a third-round pick in 2007.

Carolina Panthers NFC South All-Decade pick: Kawann Short (DT)

There is little doubting the credentials that Kawann Short brings to the table. He has been an elite defensive tackle during his time with the Carolina Panthers and is deserving of his place in the NFC South All-Decade team.

Short might have ended 2019 on the injured reserve list with a torn rotator cuff. But the player still commands the highest respect. He has 32.5 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, 87 quarterback hits, 12 pass deflections, nine forced fumbles, and 164 colo tackles so far. And the upcoming campaign promises to be a crucial one for the player.

He is now comfortably the team’s highest earner. And Short is set to count around $20.8 million against Carolina’s salary cap in 2021. Releasing him would save around $9 million, which might be too tempting to pass up.

Carolina Panthers NFC South All-Decade pick: Luke Kuechly (LB)

The Carolina Panthers were dealt a significant blow when linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement this offseason. The former first-round pick was the beating heart of their defense from the moment he stepped onto the field. And it is going to be some time before the organization finds someone who can fill the void.

Kuechly has rejoined the set-up as a pro scout. And although he is going to be a real asset behind the scenes. It will be a little substitute for what the player would bring on almost every down.

The 2012 Defensive Player of the Year probably made the right decision for his long-term health. Kuechly suffered a series of concussions throughout his career and can leave the game knowing he gave absolutely everything.

Carolina Panthers NFC South All-Decade pick: Thomas Davis (LB)

Thomas Davis is still going strong in the NFL. And his production with the Carolina Panthers is something that will live long in the memory.

The player became a sensational performer at the second level alongside Luke Kuechly. And his ability to make plays consistently was matched by his willingness to assume the role of a locker room leader.

Davis recorded 1,098 combined tackles, 789 solo tackles, 87 tackles for loss, 59 quarterback hits, 18 forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions in a glittering spell with the organization. He is undoubtedly one of the Panthers’ best ever and someone that was ultra-reliable.