Best starter at every Carolina Panthers position in franchise history
By Jason Huber
Julius Peppers – Former Carolina Panthers DE
There’s really no question here.
Drafted No. 2 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2002, Julius Peppers had two stints with the organization and is easily one of the most dominant defensive players they’ve ever had.
The former UNC Tar Heel spent his first eight seasons in Carolina and filled up the stat sheet while making first-team All-Pro twice, the Pro Bowl four times, and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year during his first campaign in the league.
Peppers went on to spend some time with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers before returning to the Panthers for his final two seasons in 2017 and 2018. But he leads the franchise by a large margin in sacks with 97 and is also No. 1 in tackles for loss with 107.
The NFL named Peppers to the 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams. Another no-brainer for a player that is among the most prolific pass-rushers in league history.
There is no doubt Peppers will end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame once his eligibility kicks in. If the voters had any sense whatsoever, it would also be on the first ballot given his longevity, consistency, and overall ferociousness.
Honorable mention: Mike Rucker, Charles Johnson