Let's say we don't pick up a DE at all.

[PhillyB]

Given

1) Tyler Brayton's immense step-up last year (if i recall, he was originally a first-rounder but got stuck in a crappy system in Oakland)

2) Charles Johnson's step-up and potential as both a run-clogger AND a decent pass-rusher

3) Hilee Taylor's incredible speed and relative success with little playing time

...could these three do a decent job rotating out of the positions situationally? Clearly, none of them are individually as good as Peppers, or someone like Rucker in the past, or some of the free-agent talents out there. But if trends continue, and all three of these guys explode into breakout years much the way D-will did in 08, we could be ok.

I certainly wouldn't bank on it, and I'm certain we'll pursue some insurance at the position. But it's still an intriguing possibility to ponder.

[panthersphan]

Not good enough.

[PhillyB]

Not good enough.

My thoughts as well. but if Hilee puts on weight, he could easily become a dwight freeney-type pass rusher off the left. if brayton can up his rush as much as he's stepped up in the runstop, he'll be a beast.

moreover, the presence of some earthshaking DT's would help relieve the pressure of DE performance as well.

[SorthNarolina]

Brayton and lewis are both former high picks who got off to bad starts with their former franchises, they will have the best years of their careers here but it's not going to turn them into superstars.

We are in trouble if we have to depend on "If this guy can step up..."

We need TALENT on the defensive line plain and simple. Fox and Co. ignored the D-line last year(especially on the interior) so now we are going to have to work very hard to find good players.

Now if only we had some cap room or a 1st round pick.

[frash.exe]

brayton must improve his pass-rushing abilities

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

We suck

[rayzor]

none of it matters if we get cutler because he can make us win every game on earth ever for all times which is what we need to do because we will suck for all eternity because we aren't smart we have peppers but we need to cut him lose for nothing because we are greedy and cutler can save us from sucking get the cutler save the world!!!!!11!!!!!111!1!ELEVEN!!

[rayzor]

sorry was that off topic?

[PhillyB]

sorry was that off topic?

maybe a little... :rolleyes5: ...but the sentiment is always appropriate given the nature of some posts on the board.

[carpanfan96]

Looks like our dt that we want (Robertson) is waiting ( appears that way)

[rayzor]

maybe a little... :rolleyes5: ...but the sentiment is always appropriate given the nature of some posts on the board.

i think i was trying to beat everyone to the punch.

seems every thread says the same thing.

[rayzor]

btw....not acquiring a DE would be a huge mistake.

we have to focus on that line. if we don't we are going to hurt.

[Fan4life]

If we are stuck with these two we are with a capitol F fuged.

[mantal]

DE is not the problem, DT is...