Who are the best Panthers Defensive Ends All-Time?

[Mol3m4n]

I had a good time writing the running backs thread yesterday. It's the offseason, so why not write another to amuse ourselves. This list may be a little more controversial than the running backs thread because it is pure subjective reasoning. I encourage you to challenge me on this list and have a good discussion. I will use the same criteria as yesterday to rank this postion, but feel free to judge them however you wish.

 

1. Everette Brown- As the Panthers second round pick in the 2009 draft, Everette was a monster. A monster failure. I said controversial, but not idiotic.

 

1. Charles "Big Money" Johnson- Johnson has been and probably will be a panther for life. Some people can blame that on his large contract, but I believe that Charles also loves the panthers franchise. Never the athletic freak, Charles Johnson always gave 100% on every play and was a competitor. He is now a vocal leader on the defense and has been an instrumental part of Carolina's defense for years.

 

2. Julius Peppers- The athletic freak that Charles Johnson isn't, Peppers is more than likely a Hall of Fame lock. He has been dominant since entering the league, however, his lack of motivation to play is what kept him out of the first spot. And it does hurt that he left the Panthers looking for his big payday elsewhere.

 

3. Mike Rucker- Rucker was never a big name that people brought up. Yet, when people bring up 2003's Cardiac Cats, the first person I think of is Rucker. He was the heart of that defensive line, and it showed on every play. Rucker is a true panther. His numbers may say little about him, but if you remember him playing, then you know he was good on and off the field. It doesn't hurt that he is still with the organization by broadcasting.

 

4. Reggie White- The only panther in the hall of fame (correct me if I'm wrong), White was a man among boys. White is a hall of famer for a reason, and he helped out the panthers never the less. White did only play one year with the panthers though, and that is my biggest qualm. It doesn't help that White was in the twilight of his career.

 

5. Greg Hardy- Hardy is another athletic freak, but is also a freak in the head. I love Greg Hardy and the Kraken persona, but his persona may have actually been the real Greg. I'm not going to explain why Hardy has been a detriment to the franchise. But that isn't the only reason he is number 5. While his on the field talent helps him be on this list, his lack of years keeps him from being any higher.

[CRA]

Peppers is the best DE to play in Carolina to date.

White by far had the best career of someone who was technically put on a uniform

[TN05]

1. Julius Peppers - As much as it pains me to put him here, when he decided to play football, he was extremely good. His athleticism is simply unparalleled - I've never seen an end transition to a linebacker, let alone be as good as he was with Green Bay.

2. Charles Johnson - A bit controversial to put him over Mike Rucker, but I think the stats speak for themselves. He's had at least eight sacks in each of the last five seasons (tying Julius Peppers' team record) and is an expert at forcing fumbles. Even a 'down season' like 2014 for him still had him rack up eight sacks in the last ten games, and then two more in the playoffs. Charles Johnson is one of the most underrated ends in the league and he'll be even better next year when healthy.

3. Mike Rucker - I think it goes without saying he's one of the most influential players in team history. He may have only had two 'great' seasons (2002 and 2003), but he was an excellent player and leader.

4. Greg Hardy - Say what you will about him personally, but his 2012 and 2013 seasons were two of the best in team history, and he was off to a great start in 2014 before being unjustly suspended. Far from being a pass-rushing specialist, Hardy excels in run defense, recording 50 or more tackles each year from 2011 to 2013, most of them coming through doing the 'dirty work' of run defense. You don't see that often from 'greedy' players. 

5. Al Wallace - Definitely the best backup defensive end in team history. Al Wallace was a key part of our 2003 and 2005 defenses, racking up five sacks and two interceptions each year. 

[iamcline]

1. Peppers

2. Johnson

3. Rucker

4. Hardy

5. Brayton

[KSpan]

In terms of production and consistency, CJ is #1 and JP is #2. In terms of raw ability and freakishness, JP is #1 and it's not even close. I'd personally put Peppers at the top, with CJ as 1a.

[Billy Love]

Pep....that's I got to say about that

[top dawg]

Peppers, and it's really not a question.

[Mol3m4n]

Peppers, and it's really not a question.

From a talent perspective I agree, but which has been more valuable to the franchise in the long run?

[t96]

Peppers is in the conversation for one of the most talented DEs to ever play the game. Love CJ, but it's gotta be Pep.

[MichaelNewtonII]

If Peppers isn't #1 I don't know if I can respect the list at all

[Pox 08]

Well.....  CJ has played 8 seasons with us so far.   Peppers played 8 seasons with us.

 

 

 

 

Peppers in his 8 seasons had  78.5 sacks.....and 30 FF.

 

CJ in his 8 seasons has had...62.5 sacks......and 16 FF.

 

 

I believe had CJ been allowed to start earlier,  he'd have more sacks than Peppers...in his first 8 years.      Peppers wins the FF battle,  he was always king of FF.

 

*CJ was a back-up/rotation guy for his first 3 years in the league.

[CRA]

Well..... CJ has played 8 seasons with us so far. Peppers played 8 seasons with us.

Peppers in his 8 seasons had 78.5 sacks.....and 30 FF.

CJ in his 8 seasons has had...62.5 sacks......and 16 FF.

I believe had CJ been allowed to start earlier, he'd have more sacks than Peppers...in his first 8 years. Peppers wins the FF battle, he was always king of FF.

*CJ was a back-up/rotation guy for his first 3 years in the league.

Pep also added INTs and FG blocks too

[Mol3m4n]

Peppers was a physical freak. I get that. On talent alone he is number one. Johnson is the leader and team player that Peppers never was though.

[Mol3m4n]

I said it would be controversial.