Predicting Panthers’ defensive depth chart before NFL Draft: How will new arrivals fit?
The Carolina Panthers have added five new defenders during the first week of free agency, focusing on upgrading the league’s worst-scoring defense. The team has secured long-term deals with Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III and added a pair of studs to the group, Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson. The Panthers can mix and match their top four players easily, utilizing each of them in different positions to counter opposing offenses. The Panthers can focus on turning around the league’s worst-scoring defense and adding another defensive lineman to their collection during draft weekend. By DIAMOND VENCES The Carolina Panthers added five new defenders during the first week of free agency earlier this month. With a new set of contributors, who can hopefully upgrade the unit, defensive.
Proved to be a stunning blow for the run defense, and adding a pair of studs to the group will not only improve the unit, but also provide insurance in case of another major injury. Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown, Robinson and Wharton should all be considered starters. While the Panthers run a 3-4 defense with their base personnel, the unit is often in nickel looks, which typically feature even fronts. The Panthers can mix and match their top four players easily, utilizing each of them in all different positions to counter opposing offenses. Bobby Brown and Wharton complement each other very well, and they can bob and weave out of the lineup as a tandem. Robinson had a career year last year, and while he should still be a formidable part of the rotation, he played a lot of snaps in 2024 and shouldn’t need to work a similar load in 2025. Derrick Brown’s return, though, will be the key to success, especially against the run. Outside of the top four guys, Tuttle took a pay cut to stick around, and Crumedy, last year’s sixth-round pick, is continuing to develop. What it means for the rest of the offseason: Don’t let the work in free agency.
The Panthers can and probably will add another defensive lineman to their collection during draft weekend. The Panthers have a really strong base now, but they are still just one injury away from another nightmare. While nose tackle can probably be avoided, it feels like the Panthers could use another interior rusher for the group. That potential addition could still come to town as early as Day 1 of the draft, depending on how the board plays out. The Panthers are committed to improving the trenches for now and the foreseeable future. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Jones II, DJ Johnson, Amare Barno, Thomas Incoom, Kenny Dyson Panthers outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, left, and defensive lineman DeShawn Williams, sack Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, November 24, 2024. MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ Analysis: After dealing with an offseason and regular season of unknowns last year, Wonnum is healthy ahead of OTAs. Wonnum provided a big boost to the lineup when he returned in Week 10 last season, and the Panthers are hoping he can provide similar production over an entire season this year. Wonnum will be.
