Which is most important to upgrade so that we can be successful next season?

[Icege]

Our only DEs under contract for next season are Mario Addison, Marquis Haynes, and that's it. It would be awesome if Peppers could come back on a team-friendly deal, then retain the best out of Horton/Cox Jr/Obada, and then spend one of our first three picks on an edge rusher.

I'm a bit nervous that won't be possible though, and I've got a feeling that we'll have a topflight DT sitting there at #16 rather than a DE. I mean... I ain't mad tho? Retain Kyle Love and replace Vernon Butler.

Going to be yet another very interesting offseason. As much as I want the interior OL + both safety positions addressed, we need better DL play more than anything else now. Keep our LBs clean, get to the QB, and create opportunities for the DBs to generate turnovers. We're likely looking at Kalil/Turner/Moton returning next season and then have to upgrade out of Larsen and Van Roten. I'm partial to center, but I think we'll have an easier opportunity finding a stud guard.

[Boxhead85]

O-line should be the focus. Seeing what it did for Andrew Luck, we should follow suit.

[Cdw]

I'd say pass rush slightly edges out Oline need.  Luckily we don't have to make an either or choice though and can and should address both lines.  Draft nothing but big nasty linemen on day one and two.

[Waldo]

We have already passed up on upgrading the two most important positions to affect this next season so I would absolutely love a huge focus on both lines. A LT and C on the Oline. A strong side DE and DT that isn't a money suck with huge upside would be great on the Dline. Sure I would love a shutdown corner and a safety that can actually be useful in coverage, but that's not where we are as a team and I can wait till next offseason for that wish list. 

[heel31ok]

I think Short comes back strong...need a DC and impact DE...

[dpm0409]

D-line (edge rusher specifically).  If we continue to give NFL QB's the time in the pocket that we did this season, we will continue to get picked apart.  O-line comes in a close 2nd.

[Cdw]

9 minutes ago, dpm0409 said:

D-line (edge rusher specifically).  If we continue to give NFL QB's the time in the pocket that we did this season, we will continue to get picked apart.  O-line comes in a close 2nd.

Added bonus, beefed up pass rush instantly upgrades the secondary, its a win win.

[dpm0409]

Just now, Cdw said:

Added bonus, beefed up pass rush instantly upgrades the secondary, its a win win.

No doubt.

[Cpt slay a ho]

D line, look at our division and conference 

[Waldo]

And Oline, look at our QB...

[panthers55]

I am with the crew that said healthy Cam Newton. Despite the O line and defensive problems we were still 6-2 and in third place in the NFC until Cam got hurt and the wheels fell off.

[JARROD]

3 hours ago, Daddy_Uncle said:

Offensive line

Draft the best offensive lineman available in round 1. Regardless of position. Then trade up in the 2nd round and and take the best offensive lineman available. We have to get serious about fixing the offensive line. It was to be our main priority by a long shot. Every QB that played for us got hurt behind our line. Look at what the Colts did. Their offensive line was horrible and it got Luck killed. They addressed it and have Luck one of the best lines in the NFL and he is playing at an MVP level. I would love to see what Cam could do behind a top 5 offensive line. 

I wish we could give a case of beer l,.. ha.

ive been posting repeatedly about drafting a LT RT and C with the first 3 picks and I’m totally down taking the lower picks to trade up to get the best of those 3 we can get. 

[KillerKat]

Coaching

[Sub Zero]

Fix the trenches.. Put money in buying a pass rusher resigning Reid and Williams and Oline depth.. Use the draft to get a pass rusher a young DT , OT and secondary depth..