Defensive Tackle: The Need that Shall Not be Named

[MHS831]

Defensive tackle (or end in a 3-4 base) is suddenly a rather significant need.  It seems to be a forbidden topic on the Huddle.  Well I am going to unforbidden it for this thread.

When we lost Robinson, it was a salary cap cutting move, saving us about $9m or so, I think.  That suggests that we are going to get cheaper, younger, and maybe, more multi-dimensional.  First, what did we lose in Robinson:

(Charlotte Observer)  "Robinson co-led the team in sacks (5.5) in 2024, and he ranked second among Carolina linemen, behind Brown, in sacks (2.5) in 2025. (Derrick) Brown played on 76.4% of the Panthers’ defensive snaps last year, while Robinson played on 62.2% of those reps. No other defensive lineman played more than 38.3%, as free-agent addition, Turk Wharton, dealt with injuries throughout his first season in Carolina. Wharton played in just nine games, producing 36 total tackles and two sacks. He’s guaranteed $14 million this upcoming season.

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article314544998.html#storylink=cpy

OK, about Turk Wharton.  The Observer claims that he and Bobby Brown III were to rotate into the Robinson DE position, but that is too weird for my head to comprehend.  First, Brown III is a NT by trade and Wharton weighs about 280 lbs and is not stout vs. the run.  Brown III is not going to provide the internal pass pressure; he is basically designed to take on double teams and dig in.  Wharton, on the other hand, had a PFF score in those 9 games of 40 or so.  In fairness, he was playing with injuries, but Damn.  PFF gives me a higher rating at the Golden Corral buffet.  In other words, we need a true DT who can fill the two thirds of snaps that we just released.  We can't count on Turk and Brown III is not the answer.  Cam Jackson?  Same as Brown.  Have your people do what they do best.  Furthermore, Derrick Brown probably should limit his snaps.  Playing more than 3/4 of the snaps is hard on the body.  A tired player in the trenches is more prone to lower-body injuries.

We need a player who can give Derrick Brown some relief and play opposite him as well.  Turk can rotate in but he needs to shoot gaps and give Guards and tackles fits--a change of pace.  

I have to think we are going to draft DT much sooner than most Huddlers realize.  My favorite, you didn't ask?

Probable second-rounder Gracen Halton (No. 59 overall, according to ESPN's March 2026 update). Once considered a Day 3 sleeper, his 2026 NFL draft stock has exploded into Round 2 or 3 due to elite interior pass-rush metrics. 

• Projected Round: 2 (Early to Mid)
• Key Traits: Elite explosive, quickness, 12.2%+ pass-rush win rate, and positional versatility to play inside on passing downs.
• Combine Highlights: Led defensive tackles in the vertical jump (36.5”) and broad jump, per Sports Illustrated.
• Draft Stock: Rising fast due to consistent 2025 production (7 tackles for loss) and a "freak show" combine performance, according to Stormin in Norman. 

Halton is considered a high-motor playmaker and a potential Day 2 standout, notes

 

I would not be surprised to see DT on day 2.