Defensive Line: Brian Burns, Kawann Short, Free Agent DT, Stephen Weatherly Backups: Chris Smith, Efe Obada
The Panthers likely need to add at least three more DTs before they can take the field – but they obviously saw enough upside in Weatherly, who performed well in limited snaps, to have him start and Burns is one of the few players who appears to be firmly in the Panthers’ future. But they desparately need someone to line up next to KK Short – that might be a top pick like Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw, but the Panthers would be wise to have at least a backup option – going into the draft needing a specific position isn’t ideal. This will be a common theme on the defense.
Linebackers: Jermaine Carter, Jr., Shaq Thompson, FA Linebacker
Shaq Thompson will be looked upon to lead the front seven, but the Panthers need someone to take Luke Kuechly’s spot, even if it would be an impossible standard to meet from a legacy standpoint. But they still need someone to play in the middle, unless they think that Shaq is ready to take that spot; they’d likely prefer to upgrade from Carter, but they could do a lot worse than a 25-year old solid tackler who started five games in his second season.
This would also be the spot where Isaiah Simmons would fit in if they use their top pick on him, but again, going into the draft NEEDING to draft a specific player with the seventh pick isn’t a recipe for success.
Secondary: FA/First-Round CB, Donte Jackson, Tre Boston, Juston Burris
Again, perhaps the Panthers will draft Jeff Okudah and he can start opposite Donte Jackson – but without signing someone ahead of the draft, they’re painting themselves into a corner. It’s an almost certainty that Corn Elder, who would be the starter if the season started today, will not start on the outside and there are plenty of suitable, if not exciting, options available as free agents who could act as a stopgap at cornerback.
After essentially swapping Eric Reid for Juston Burris, it will be interesting to see what Phil Snow does with the secondary as he clearly values players with more versatility – Reid played mostly in the box while Burris can play deep, in the slot or at multiple positions. Boston will likely be looked to as the vocal leader of the secondary – and the defense as a whole – to guide them through the rebuild and hopefully, out the other side…..into sustained excellence.
