Defensive Ends (4): Kawann Short, Kyle Love, Bryan Cox, Jr., SAMWELL TARLY
Nose Tackle (2): Dontari Poe, Vernon Butler
The worst-kept secret that keeps getting more and more out in the open is just how much of a 3-4 defense the Panthers’ new ‘hybrid’ front is going to be – I think they’re still one man short if they’re going to be a primarily three-man front; if only for a depth piece for injuries’ sake. Perhaps they feel as if they can move Butler and Love around and the five above will be fine, but I’d imagine they’ll kick the tires on some other players that feel comfortable at the DE spot in a 3-4 lineup – and Samwell has the size to occupy some blockers; while he’s not technically sound, he plays with a lot of heart.
Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers (6) : Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin, Brian Burns, Christian Miller, Efe Obada, Marquis Haynes
That’s a lot of players, but a consistent rotation of ends that feel comfortable rushing from both a two or three point stance will work wonders – think of it as the defensive end rotation that Eric Washington ran like clockwork over the past few years to keep everyone fresh. Some of these players are better at rushing than at dropping into coverage and obviously vice versa, but certainly a nice collection for a team that, when running four-man fronts, can send out edge rushers that can get to the quarterback; if the goal of a hybrid defense – that may not be that hybrid – is to confuse the defense, having players like Burns, Irvin, Obada, and Miller will do just that. Don’t forget about Addison, who obviously has been playing in a 4-3 since he came to Carolina, but played in a 3-4 with both the Colts and Redskins in a previous life.
Inside Linebackers (5): Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter, Jr, Jared Norris, Andre Smith
Look for Norris to hold down the coveted “linebacker on the roster, but really should be labeled a special teams ace” position that has been occupied by David Mayo over the past few years. Carter will continue to develop behind Thompson, who the team really liked what they saw in limited 3-4 snaps late last season, and Kuechly, who will continue to excel in whatever defense he plays in because he’s Luke Kuechly.
Cornerback (4): James Bradberry, Donte Jackson, Ross Cockrell, Kevon Seymour (Nickel)
After breaking his leg during training camp, Cockrell is almost certainly in line to be the top backup on the outside while Corn Elder and Seymour will battle for the nickel position, with Seymour having a slight edge; don’t rule out Rashaan Gaulden, who will get some looks at inside corner during the spring and summer – that’s where he played many snaps in college. Seymour is fully healthy after dual shoulder surgery last season and don’t forget that he came into last training camp as the starter at outside cornerback opposite James Bradberry; the battle between Elder and Seymour will certainly be one to watch during training camp.
Safety (4): Eric Reid, JON SNOW, Colin Jones, Rashaan Gaulden
Unfortunately for Da’Norris Searcy, he was signed to play strong safety opposite Mike Adams – fast forward a year and Searcy’s skillset is very similar to Eric Reid and the Panthers could save $1.67m against the cap by releasing him; that’s almost certainly close to what a free agent safety that could fill a spot in the starting lineup would cost. With the Panthers punting on safety during the draft, that seems to indicate they’ve got their eye on someone in free agency – call him the “Lord Commander of the Defensive Backfield”
Specialists (3): Graham Gano, Mike Palardy, JJ Jansen
More photo shoots in 2019, please.
