Why LSU DT Tyler Shelvin is a big-time fit on the Carolina Panthers

Tyler Shelvin’s fit on the Carolina Panthers

At least from the outside looking in, the Carolina Panthers and Tyler Shelvin are a match made in heaven. They made some slight improvements in stopping the run last season – although the bar was pretty low following a dismal 2019 campaign in this area – but adding the LSU standout would give them a massive boost at a critical stage of their rebuild.

Whether the Panthers are willing to allocate an early Day 2 pick on a defensive tackle remains to be seen. Shelvin is projected to go between the second and early third-round later this month, which could be worth its weight in gold for a team looking for some immediate assistance.

Putting a space-eater alongside Derrick Brown on the interior is a mouth-watering prospect. The former Auburn sensation was one of the NFL’s most double-teamed defensive tackles as a rookie and still managed to put up some eye-catching numbers. So there is just no telling how much better he could be with a little more space to work in.

The same applies to pass-rushers coming off the edge. Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Haason Reddick would benefit enormously from having someone like Shelvin commanding additional attention on the defensive front, which could result in some lofty numbers from the trio.

Carolina has Morgan Fox to come in for obvious passing situations. So the question marks surrounding Shelvin’s ability to generate pressure is a moot point where they are concerned.

The Panthers have enough in the way of talent to compensate for Shelvin’s lack of pass-rushing ability. If they play to his strengths, it could be the missing piece to the puzzle.