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.

 

[CmC2k]

I really like Caleb Banks physical tools, but those foot injuries are a cause for concern. If he were to drop to our pick in the 2nd round, I'd be more open to taking that risk. 

[Lurk21]

They will probably  draft someone but I could definitely  see them add Dj Reader or someone else after the draft too. 

[Adb6368]

This is why kayden McDonald is on my priority list in round 1 even if that’s a bit of a stretch 

[Swaggasaurus]

Kayden McDonald was 5th on the Buckeyes with 65 tackles. His ability to take on blocks and locate the football is elite for the position 

[Jay Roosevelt]

Kayden McDonald is definitely growing on me as a serious option at #19, but I'd feel better about the pick if we were able to trade down a few spots and still get him.

[TD alt]

I kinda see it as the same as any other position of arguable need. The thing is, I don't see any DT that may be available as the BPA at 19, but you never know.

[MHS831]

11 minutes ago, TD alt said:

I kinda see it as the same as any other position of arguable need. The thing is, I don't see any DT that may be available as the BPA at 19, but you never know.

One could fall, but doubtful.  I am thinking a free agent who can't find a home or a player who is cut after the draft--something like that.  The draft is not deep at DT.  I do like the rookie I posted who could be a third round option.  I love high motor DTs who can pressure the passer.

After reading your post, I went to 2 mocks (Walter Football and Tankathon) to see how the DTs were falling--both had us drafting a DT at 19.)  

Edited 3 hours ago by MHS831

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, CmC2k said:

I really like Caleb Banks physical tools, but those foot injuries are a cause for concern. If he were to drop to our pick in the 2nd round, I'd be more open to taking that risk. 

Yeah, and people are starting to mock him to us at 19.  

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Swaggasaurus said:

Kayden McDonald was 5th on the Buckeyes with 65 tackles. His ability to take on blocks and locate the football is elite for the position 

For a DT on THAT defense, that is unreal.

[rmoneyg35]

5 hours ago, MHS831 said:

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.

 

Great post!

Now that I think on it, I think D line might be our biggest need. We are one player away from having a potential disastrous defensive line. Brown and Wharton struggled last year and Wharton has really only been a rotational player that specializes in one thing. Can we count on him being a full time starter? Jackson is unproven. Do you want a starting defensive line of Wharton, Brown and Jackson? I don’t want to risk it.

 

I honestly don’t think linebacker is that big of a need. If Rozeboom ends up coming back then why get a LB?

 

games are won in the trenches and I would honestly prefer us drafting an offensive or defensive linemen over any other position in the first.

The prospect you mentioned seems like a good prospect who has had some good production as well. Only problem is defensive line is a position that can take time for a player to develop. Will whoever we draft be ready this season ? 

[OldhamA]

5 hours ago, MHS831 said:

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.

 

I've been screaming for DE for months.

Forbidden topic indeed. 

[Soul Rebel]

12 minutes ago, OldhamA said:

I've been screaming for DE for months.

Forbidden topic indeed. 

If you look at our depth chart, this has to be at the top of the primary needs list. Outside of a true rangy FS that balances Moehrig, I don't see any other "immediate" needs for 2026. 

Beyond this year, figuring out C, OT, TE1 and WR3 and probably CB2 (are we going to pay Jaycee and Mike Jack?) are on my radar. 

My list at 19 (in no order) :

Freeling

Thieneman

McNeil-Warren

McDonald

Miller 

Sadiq

 

I think CB is also low key going to be a selection earlier than anticipated...Chris Johnson on day 2 fits what we're looking for, IMO and he balled out at the combine. The salaries we just took on and BY9 coming up, I struggle to believe Mike Jack is a Panther next year.

 

 

 

[chknwing]

i was hoping they might bring robinson back but he went to the darkside.  They will need to sign a free agent as Evero does not like to start rookies.

Edited 1 hour ago by chknwing