Carolina Panthers: 2007 NFL Draft do-over (7 rounds)
By Josh Linares
87. GEORGIA. 83. player. CHARLESJOHNSON. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DE
Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft: Charles Johnson (No. 83)
The Carolina Panthers got this pick right in no uncertain terms. For the players available and the positions of need, this was the perfect selection.
Charles Johnson had a great career for the Panthers. He never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team. But that is because of the talent around the league, not due to his production.
Johnson was very productive for the Panthers. He had three different double-digit sack seasons and in 2012 he had an outstanding seven forced fumbles. His determination on the field was matched by a calm leadership off it. And this is something that commanded the respect of his teammates.
The player was great at pressuring the quarterback and was a good open-field tackler. He was a big part of the Panthers’ defense for the past decade and ended up spending his entire career with the organization.
He is the all-time franchise leader in QB hits and is second in sacks behind the prolific Julius Peppers. The Panthers picked a tremendous player here. He is one of the best players in franchise history and played a big role in the team’s astonishing rise to prominence.
Johnson’s influence in Carolina cannot be understated. And he recently received recognition from ESPN, who named the defensive end in their NFC South team of the 2010s.