So...Defensively, What Would You / Should We Do*

[SetfreexX]

For the sake of it, and to not have another Cam thread...In my opinion as bad as the offense was, I think we are good QB play / OL depth from fielding a top 15 unit with Brady at the helm and some of our skill position options to date, the depth can be addressed via FA or draft and by keeping Cam.

So let's operate with that in mind, at least while regarding the defense 

Our pass rush I believe finished 2nd in total sacks, a fairly impressive feat for a team that was so poor vs the run / trailed to often, considering who we have, and who is now a free agent, what would you do / what should we do...

 

Marquee Free Agents:

James Bradberry

Mario Addison

Vernon Butler

Bruce Irvin

Ross Cockrell

Tre' Boston

Javien Elliott

 

We still have the following under contract for 2020: ( https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/cap/ )

DL - KK Short / Dontari Poe / Efe Obada

Edge - Brian Burns / Marquis Haynes / Christian Miller 

ILB - Shaq Thompson / Jermaine Carter Jr. / Andre Smith / Jordan Kunaszyk

DB - Donte' Jackson / Corn Elder / Cole Luke

FS - Jones / Quinn Blanding

SS - Reid / TJ Green / Natrell Jamerson 

 

[Madwolf]

First thing you have to do is figure out your base defense, and at this point I believe the best option is to stay the course on converting to a 3-4, instead of reverting back to the 4-3.

While I've always preferred the 4-3, the 3-4 is more versatile on the field, and for the FO. It is simply easier to get the players to run the system, and they're typically cheaper than those required to run the 4-3.

If we run the 3-4 there will be quite a few skilled, young NTs available in the upcoming free agency market, and Brown is a beast in the draft if you go that direction.

[joeyxfresco]

Why do anything when Burrow is the savior?

[SetfreexX]

I'm inclined to select Simmons over Brown at the moment, I think 2nd level versatility / athleticism is the key to a quality defense aside from the pass rush / defending the run. And based on the ''current roster'' with Poe and KK I think I'd like Simmons at 7. 

The LB's that can do it all are rare; he can play the run, cover, and blitz, then factor in ''elite'' athleticism / size. As disruptive as Brown and Kinlaw are I think Simmons' skill set is elite at the next level and would be a good fit next to Shaq. (The 2nd level pursuit would be crazy for us - Burns / Shaq / Simmons) 

And until I see Poe released, I don't see us taking Brown or Kinlaw, DL depth in FA or Day 2 of the draft would be the move in this scenario**

[MHS831]

DO not underestimate the need at MLB and CB.  Luke is gone and it is not smart to re-sign Bradberry, it seems.

[4Corners]

Uh it’s pretty simple actually. Whatever they were doing last year - do the opposite of that 

[WarPanthers89]

No matter what happens we will be bad next year on defense just based off what we have/the free agents who may be gone/ the weird in between personnel of a 4-3/3-4. We were horrible last year but  I bet everything I have that people will still scream to fire Snow if he doesn’t turn us into a top 10 defense this year. Offense is much easier, you get a vet LT (Whitworth) or draft one with #7 overall pick and go with a FA guard or develop Daley into the role and use Little as backup LT and you are set...if we keep Cam.

[LinvilleGorge]

1 hour ago, SetfreexX said:

I'm inclined to select Simmons over Brown at the moment, I think 2nd level versatility / athleticism is the key to a quality defense aside from the pass rush / defending the run. And based on the ''current roster'' with Poe and KK I think I'd like Simmons at 7. 

The LB's that can do it all are rare; he can play the run, cover, and blitz, then factor in ''elite'' athleticism / size. As disruptive as Brown and Kinlaw are I think Simmons' skill set is elite at the next level and would be a good fit next to Shaq. (The 2nd level pursuit would be crazy for us - Burns / Shaq / Simmons) 

And until I see Poe released, I don't see us taking Brown or Kinlaw, DL depth in FA or Day 2 of the draft would be the move in this scenario**

Two of the worst defenses in the NFL last season were anchored by Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wager, hands down the two best MLBs in the game. Just saying.

[Happy Panther]

54 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

DO not underestimate the need at MLB and CB.  Luke is gone and it is not smart to re-sign Bradberry, it seems.

Javien Elliott was our highest rated cornerback!

https://www.derp/2020/1/9/21057621/final-2019-ratings-for-all-carolina-panthers-defensive-players-per-pro-football-focus

Just noting that Tre Boston was our 2nd rated defensive player and played 100% of defensive stats.

[Navy_football]

1 minute ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Two of the worst defenses in the NFL last season were anchored by Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wager, hands down the two best MLBs in the game. Just saying.

That's very telling. Similar to a QB, an inside linebacker needs the line to help him stay clean and operate. 

[BrianS]

46 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Two of the worst defenses in the NFL last season were anchored by Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wager, hands down the two best MLBs in the game. Just saying.

Pretty sure Wagner had the same problems Luke had . . . DL was terrible.

[SetfreexX]

47 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Two of the worst defenses in the NFL last season were anchored by Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wager, hands down the two best MLBs in the game. Just saying.

Seattle also had a terrible pass rush, I think more than anything it goes to show how important QB is, because even with a bad defense, they made the playoffs. 

We also shared a slew of injuries up front on defense, and still finished 2nd in sacks.

And when both of these teams were at their best they had All-Pro MLBs at the helm, just saying.