The missing link for the defense....

[scpanther22]

With Meeks system we need a quick DT like Warren Sapp in his prime. He dose not have to be big just needs to create pressure and collapse the pocket

This is the thing we will have to see.How much of meeks will fox have? I think a lot but IDK if fox is willing to go along will the undersized NT..

It will be interesting to see if we draft a 320 pound guy..

[mick eye]

Finding Warren Sapp in his prime is gonna be a tough proposition. Finding a guy that fits Meeks prototype of a Under tackle should not be too hard though.

Mick Williams of Pitt

Corey Peters of Kentucky

Earl Mitchell of Arizona

Mike Neal of Purdue

Arthur Jones of Syracuse

Also sleepers like Nate Collins of Virgina and Ricardo Matthews of Cinci

As you can tell NONE of these guys are 2nd round guys. Many are late rounders that can boot Nick Hayden to the curb or practice squad.

People seem to forget how Indy did not have a DT over 300lbs when Meeks was in charge.

[firstdayfan]

It's very interesting that people have been saying defensive tackle so

much...I though for sure I would be DE. I really agree with everyone...I think we need a penetrating DT who can alter the run or get to the QB. I would be ok with moving up to get Brian price at the top of the second if he falls. I think he could be an immediate starter and really change our defense fo the better. We can get linebacker and DE depth in the later rounds or free agency. If price doesn't fall then I think alualu would be a nice consolation prize.

I just don't think there is a wr that will be available at the 48th pick that wouldn't be a reach. I love Taylor price in the third and Kyle Williams as a 6-7th round flyer.

[FuzzyPanther]

I will preface this by saying it's clearly not realistic, but here goes: If I could hire any single person to improve my defense, starting today, it would be Rex Ryan (Def. Coordinator). The Ravens/Jets defenses speak for themselves.

It is about players, to an extent, however, finding a scheme that utilizes your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses is huge. Finding a coach who realizes how to do this even bigger. When it comes to NFL defense, the guy has serious credibility, IMHO. If I can have one person, he's my choice. (Not that I'm against Meeks, but, there's really no argument here...)

[panther4life]

D.E would almost be a lil silly. D.T., is alot deeper and provides more value for one. plus we traded away this years first for D.E last year. Also we have Brayton back who is serviceable and Charles Johnson is going to have to blossom this year or else. In addition to that I think things should have slowed down enough for Brown, so I'm expecting big things from him as well.

At tackle on the other hand the only player we have that I really like is Louis Leonard. Tank Tyler may develp into something but I'm not counting on it. Irvin was on I.R all of last year so we cant possibly know what we have with him and Ed Johnson wouldnt start on most defense oriented teams.

[davos]

I agree with the DT sentiment...but not just a pass-rushing DT, an every down DT that has a freakin motor is what we need. We saw how much our D improved once went out and got a decent & aged spongebob fan from the FA.

Also, some will disagree but we need a better safety to pair with Harris. Martin has a ton potential but really is nothing special and we need something now imo.

[DaveThePanther2008]

Can't argue with a quick fast DT. I don't why we can't find a guy in the third. I would still like a receiver in the second and perhaps another in the 4th or 5th. At this point it is probably more important to get Moore some help and fill in the defense with some free agents after we see what we get in the draft.

Panthers55 this is exactly my thought. The WR position must be addressed first. No doubt about it. On our roster we don't have a player that has shown he can fill that role. Jarrett has the tools but doesn't want to seize the opportunity.

Our DT tackle position we have many viable options. Though they are an unknown talent to us they are probably better and more experienced than any rookie we might have a chance to draft. I believe in round 3 there will be a DT for us.

WR 2nd,,,,DT....3rd....4th and on...fill in the gaps.

Go Panthers

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the OLB position. Beason, Davis, are beasts no doubt. Currently our roster at the LB spot is slim. Depth is needed there as well. I think Connor could be our 3rd starter, but still would like to see us move up and grab a guy like Sean Weatherspoon from Mizzou. Sergio Kindle of Texas grabs my attention also, speed and size are both great on these two players and they can by all means get to the quarterback.

With remaining picks, continue to bring in guys for the defensive line (DE, DT). Haven't looked too deeply into this yet.

[Mr. Scot]

Interior pass rush...

[twylyght]

Just wondering what everyone's views were on what exactly the defense is missing right now. In other words who or what position could we upgrade that would make the biggest difference for our defense?

Could it be signing Alex brown to shore up the defensive ends? How about drafting a game changing defensive tackle (Brian price is falling and could be had at the top of the second)? Or grabbing a fast playmaking linebacker?

We all know what is missing on offense (just ask Steve smith) but what's missing on defense. Oh and try to narrow it down to one person or position.

I think the answer to your question was answered last year. When we put Hollis Thomas into the mix, our defense instantly got better. Thomas was the space-eating DT that took up blockers and allowed our LBs to roam.

We find a guy that we can do that for years to come, then our D is set for a while.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

As said before, a good pass rushing DT would do wonders with our speed on the field. Also, get Sherrod Martin more involved.

First would be a disruptive DT like Kris Jenkins or Kevin Williams. Then a Polumalu-esque safety.

Also, some will disagree but we need a better safety to pair with Harris. Martin has a ton potential but really is nothing special and we need something now imo.

I'm with you guys. I think we need a DT who can get pressure, and a ballhawk free safety. Maybe Martin can be that guy, but it remains to be seen.

[unicar15]

Can't argue with a quick fast DT. I don't why we can't find a guy in the third. I would still like a receiver in the second and perhaps another in the 4th or 5th. At this point it is probably more important to get Moore some help and fill in the defense with some free agents after we see what we get in the draft.

+1

[rayzor]

picking up alex brown would be great and would give us a much more complete DE situation. vet presence and another speed/pass rusher.

moving up just a little to get brian price would be awesome and then maybe picking up another big fattie to compete with leonard/johnson might be nice but i'm of the opinion that we don't really need another big NT. leonard and johnson can handle those duties on a couple downs and then use some of the more disruptive smaller DTs like price, tank, and irvin.

[Argus Plexus]

Nuff said already by others.