The Panthers defensive line was probably the strongest unit on the roster going into last season. A lot has changed since then, though. The most expensive interior rotation in the league has been decimated by free agency and both starting edge defenders left, as well.
Heading into 2020, Pro Football Focus sees this as one of the weakest defensive lines in the NFL. They have ranked Carolina’s front four No. 29 in the league. However, they think they have a chance to rise fast.
“The new additions will be joining stalwart Kawann Short and last season’s first-round pick Brian Burns. Short missed almost all of last season but was playing the best football of his career before that point, while Burns flashed pass-rush skills as a rookie. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to this group, but there is a very believable scenario where the talent comes together quickly and makes them a very formidable unit to contend with.”
There’s not alot of depth to go around, so backups like Bravvion Roy and Efe Obada will have to step up when given the chance.
More importantly, this year’s top two draft picks Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos will have to grow up fast if this unit is going to be respectable anytime soon.